UPDATE Wednesday 9.30AM
AT A GLANCE:
- ONE HOUSE DESTROYED NEAR LANCEFIELD
- 80 YEAR OLD MAN FEARED MISSING HAS TURNED UP SAFE
- 3000 HECTARES BURNED
- EMERGENCY WARNINGS STILL IN PLACE FOR BENLOCH AND PASTORIA EAST
- WATCH AND ACT IN PLACE FOR NULLA VALE, BAYNTON, BAYNTON EAST AND EMU FLAT
- FIRE ORIGINATED FROM A CONTROLLED BURN
- NO REPORTS OF INJURIES OR STOCK LOSSES
Authorities will conduct a community meeting at Lancefield’s Mechanics Hall from 2pm Wednesday for people affected by the so-called Cobaw-Lancefield fire.
The 3000ha fire continues to threaten about 20 homes, with alerts in force for Benloch, Pastoria East and Baynton East.
About 200 homes are in the danger zone, with the fire currently impacting Kitchenhams Road.
At least one house, and associated farm buildings have been destroyed by an out of control fire that has threatened towns in the Macedon Ranges.
The property on Three Chain Road near Lancefield was totally wiped out by the fire, though there were no reports of any injuries.
There was good news this morning with An 80-year-old man reported missing near Lancefield turning up safe.
An Emergency Warning is still in place for Benloch and Pastoria East as firefighters try to control the 3000 hectare blaze, which has crossed the Burke and Wills Track and is now heading towards Benlock.
Spotfires and ember attack have been reported in Benloch.
The CFA is warning residents near Benloch that “you are now in immediate danger, act now to protect yourself. Emergency services may not be able to help you.”
“The safest option is to take shelters indoors immediately,” the CFA warning advises.
There is also a Watch and Act for Baynton, Baynton East, Emu Flat, Nulla Vale from another fire front.
A previous Emergency Warning for Cobaw, Rochford, Newham and Lancefield has been withdrawn.
Shortly after 3.30pm yesterday the fire started changing direction away from Lancefield toward Benloch.
State spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Nina Cullens said the fire had originated from a controlled burn last week.
“It sparked up again on Saturday and it is the same fire that is now threatening that area,” she said.
Earlier, a large C-130 Hercules firefighting aircraft flew down from Sydney to create a control line between the front and Benloch about 5pm.
Four other aircraft were fighting the blaze.
Advice warnings were earlier issued for smaller fires in Sunbury (Albert Road), Heskett (Woodend-Wallan Road), Kyneton (Cobb & Co Road), Tantaraboo (Tantaraboo Road), Lauriston and Trentham. These have since been controlled or extinguished.
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With David Bonnici
