Over the weekend 17-18 March, Victorian emergency services were faced with some of the worst fire conditions of the season, which sparked a number of grass and bushfires across the state.
There were four significant fires in south-west Victoria, which resulted in the loss of both property and livestock.
Forecasts suggested a warm weekend, with strong, squally winds with the potential to reach 100km per hour in some parts of the state, and emergency crews prepared for a potentially disastrous period.
As early as 10am Saturday morning, firefighters were called out to fires and, during the day, they were kept busy attending over 160 grass and bushfires. But the most significant fires broke out in the South West Region in the evening.
These fires raged overnight. Between 8pm Saturday evening and 6am Sunday morning, grassfires sparked in Terang, Camperdown, Gazette and Garvoc in south-west Victoria.
In the midst of gusty winds and dry lightning the fires ignited without warning and spread rapidly.
At the height of the fire approximately 425 firefighters and 80 CFA vehicles worked tirelessly through the night to contain the blazes.
Fortunately, no serious injuries or missing people were reported. Sadly, the fires affected 26 homes, 63 sheds (which may change) and numerous livestock.
CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington said CFA brigades across the state responded to the fires, which were some of the worst Victoria has seen for some time.
“CFA works year round with communities to prepare for emergencies. We were well prepared for this event and it was evident in the response from both CFA and the communities,” Chief Officer Warrington said.
“I’d like to thank all our crews for responding to these significant fires, which had the potential to have even greater impacts on the communities than they did.”
By 11pm on Monday night, the Terang fire was declared contained and by 11am today (Thursday 22 March), fires at Camperdown, Gazette and Garvoc have been declared contained with the warning levels downgraded to Advice messages for all four fires
The four fires burnt through an area of around 15,000 hectares and fire crews continue to work on the ground monitoring these fires.
Along with the significant fires in the south-west, a number of large fires caused concerns over the weekend including grassfires in Hawkesdale, Tamboritha, Taggerty and Gembrook.
The causes of the four significant fires in the south-west are being investigated and impact assessment teams will continue working in the area over coming days to assess losses.
Due to substantial loss of livestock, Agriculture Victoria Animal Health are inspecting the area along with the Environmental Protection Authority who are assisting landholders with the clean-up.