The Ravenswood Fogarty’s Gap Road fire that has impacted Harcourt is not expected to expand far beyond its current footprint tonight, authorities have told residents.
Incident controller Michael Masters explained what occurred during the fire and its current status at a community meeting this afternoon.
The meeting was held at Kyneton where about 80-100 fire-threatened residents have taken refuge overnight at an emergency relief centre.
Mr Masters acknowledged a regrettable loss of homes, environment impact and community hurt the fires have caused.
“The fire ran quickly with 100km plus winds, so the ability of firefighters to get closer to the fire to do anything just didn’t exist,” he said.
“The fire was spotting up to seven kilometres away. That’s significant behaviour for a fire.”
The exact total of homes and structures lost to the blaze is not yet known. Cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Mr Masters told residents containment lines were now being made around the fire. Rocky grounds could mean that process takes some time.
“There is still active fire and there’s still potential for that fire to become more active again,” he said.
“More than 600 firefighters have been out on the fireground and it is still not safe to return.
“Containment is occurring and spread of the fire is not active – mostly due to the change in weather.”
During the fires, infrastructure was impacted on Mount Alexander including facilities for Coliban Water and Telstra. ABC Radio broadcasts were also affected.
There is currently no power connected to the fire area, no drinkable water supply at Harcourt, a compromised sewerage system, and heat remains in the area. Roads in the area, including the Calder Freeway, also remain closed in both directions. Other dangers in the area are falling trees and powerlines down.
“There are a lot of risks on the grounds at the moment. It’s just been 24 hours and our crews are still working hard,” Mr Masters said.
Information is being provided to residents about agricultural care, health services, and accommodation options.
A total fire ban has been declared for tomorrow (Sunday) as fire fighters continue their efforts to contain current fires.
