Strike teams from a number of Yarra Ranges CFA brigades were deployed to provide support as a devastating fire tears through north Victoria.
CFA tankers from Little Yarra, Hillcrest, Wandin and Coldstream have travelled to Longwood, where an out-of-control blaze burns and threatens multiple towns.
The threatened townships include Avenel, Creightons Creek, Euroa, Gooram, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Old Longwood, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Upton Hill at the time of publication.
For up-to-date information check: emergency.vic.gov.au/respond, or ABC Radio 774 AM, or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Hillcrest CFA provided the update via its Facebook page and said a small team of highly experienced firefighters were assisting brigades already stationed in the area.
“Our members heading north are experienced, well-prepared, and proud to assist where they are needed most — just as others would do for us. We wish the crew a safe deployment and look forward to welcoming them home.”
Meanwhile, Little Yarra CFA’s “Big Fill” tanker was deployed to provide crucial water supply for tankers.
“The big fill plays an important role during fire operations. It is used to rapidly refill fire tankers with large volumes of water, allowing crews to get back on the fire ground quickly without long trips to refill,” Little Yarra CFA said.
“When fires are large or water supplies are stretched, big fills are often sent to other areas where they’re most needed to support frontline crews.”
“Our big fill is currently in the capable hands of Little Yarra CFA captain Peter Cookson and firefighter Lachie Van Styn, who are doing an incredible job supporting firefighters on the ground during this challenging time.”
The brigades offered reassurance that resources would be managed so fires which start locally could still be responded to.
Hillcrest CFA said deployments are carefully planned to ensure local response capability is maintained, even on high-risk days, while also supporting communities facing active fire threats elsewhere.
The Hillcrest CFA has a pumper and two tankers to help fight fires in the towns of Woori Yallock, Launching Place and Don Valley.
Little Yarra CFA said it was able to protect a house and stables on a property threatened by the fire.
“We’re relieved to say the house and stables on the property were successfully protected, although many of the horse paddocks have unfortunately been lost. The neighbouring farmer has suffered significant damage as well, thankfully their homes have been saved.”
“As the sun rises this morning, it’s pushing through a dense smoke haze that has settled across the landscape. It’s an eerie sight after a long night on the fire ground.”
