An emergency warning for a bushfire burning north of Lancefield has been downgraded to a watch and act alert.
But the CFA warns the 4000-hectare blaze near Benloch, Baynton, Baynton East, Nulla Vale, Sidonia, Pastoria, Pastoria East, Nulla Vale and Emu Flat is not yet under control and the full extent of its destruction is yet to be realised.
The ABC is reporting that two homes, two sheds and two vehicles have been confirmed destroyed in the 4000-hectare blaze.
But CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson said that was likely to increase.
“What we’ve identified is around about eight structures which have been damaged or destroyed by fire,” he said.
“It’s difficult to determine from the air whether all those structures are residences or whether they might be sheds.”
Firefighters and bulldozers are working to build a track around the fire perimeter, a task made difficult by steep terrain and rocky outcrops.
Property owners in fire-affected areas have been urged to stay alert in case conditions change.
With winds relatively light, authorities have said they hope to contain the blaze on Thursday.
While some roads have been reopened to local traffic, multiple road closures remain in place.
Extra staff have been ordered to help clear roads of dangerous trees.
Assessment teams will move in today to provide a clearer picture of damage to farms and houses.
Community meetings will be held at Lancefield Mechanics Institute at 11am and 8pm Thursday.
A council recovery centre will be open at the same location from 10am-4pm on Thursday and Friday.
Road closures
- Burke & Wills Track is closed between Bayntons Road to Mission Hill Road through Pastoria and Benloch
- Mission Hill Road and Emu Flat-Baynton Road are closed between Lancefield-Tooborac Road and Burke & Wills Track
- Malones Road and Martins Road are closed at the Lancefield-Tooborac Road in Nulla Vale
- Whalans Track and Baynton Road remain closed
Roads open
- Three Chain Road, Lancefield, in the fire-affected area is now open
- Oakleys Lane, Lancefield, is now open
- Mooneys Lane, Lancefield, is accessible to local traffic only
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