Property Losses from Bushfire Expected to Mount in Victoria
A bushfire in Victoria has destroyed homes and outbuildings, with losses likely to increase as assessments continue in affected areas
Moyston, Victoria, Bushfire, Emergency Management, Property Damage
Moyston: A bushfire has wreaked havoc, taking down at least three homes and damaging several outbuildings. The situation is pretty grim, and losses are expected to rise as crews assess the damage.
The fire is raging in the Grampians region, covering over 75,000 hectares. Emergency teams are working hard to evaluate the impact, but it’s a tough job with the fire’s perimeter stretching more than 380 kilometers.
With dry weather and tricky terrain, this fire might keep burning into the new year. Thankfully, cooler conditions are giving firefighters a chance to get a handle on it.
In Moyston, three homes have been confirmed lost, and another 11 outbuildings were destroyed in both Moyston and Pomonal, which had its own fire troubles earlier this year.
Luke Hegarty from the State Control Centre mentioned that they still have a lot of work ahead to figure out the full extent of the damage. He noted that the numbers could change in the coming days.
Livestock losses have been significant, especially among sheep. Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said the upcoming week looks more promising for fire crews.
“The weather should be stable,” he said, which is a relief. This stability will help them stabilize the fires and continue backburning operations to support the community.
As night fell, three alerts were still active in the Grampians National Park, but residents of Halls Gap have been allowed to return home.
Conditions are expected to stay mild until Sunday, but warmer winds are on the way for Monday. Hardship payments are available for those affected, thanks to state and federal disaster recovery funding.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister announced a one-off payment to help families cover essentials like food and accommodation.
While Victoria is getting a break, New South Wales is facing a total fire ban in some areas due to dry conditions and high temperatures. Warnings are in place for heatwave conditions in northeastern NSW and much of Queensland.
Meanwhile, in Western Australia, residents were urged to evacuate as another bushfire raged out of control. It’s a tough time for many across the country.