Victorian firefighters say a bushfire threatening homes and lives near Ensay in far east Gippsland created its own weather system as it rapidly expanded overnight.
A bushfire threatening homes and lives in Victoria's east has quadrupled in size overnight and is still out of control after the state's hottest December day on record.The bushfire at Marthavale in remote Gippsland generated"its own weather" as it grew overnight
"This fire was large enough to be generating some of its own weather … and was driving itself along purely with the energy created by the fire," the State Control Centre's Luke Heagerty said. People covered by the current emergency warnings at Tambo Crossing and Ensay were urged to shelter indoors, with the Great Alpine Road closed between Bruthen and Ensay.Meanwhile in western Victoria, some residents from the town of Lexton are waiting to return home after they were told to evacuate as an out-of-control blaze threatened to destroy homes.Sheep shearer James Braszell said he came into town about 5:30pm and saw two roads blocked off.
"Then the police turned up and told us to evacuate. We headed to the relief centre and waited for more news.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Volunteer firefighters are risking their lives fighting Australia's bushfires at their own expenseWhile volunteer firefighters are entitled to compensation if they're injured while on the ground, they otherwise receive very little assistance. Now there are calls for a better deal for exhausted crews who have spent weeks fighting fires across the country.
Read more »
Twenty homes lost, firefighters injured in massive blaze on outskirts of SydneyAuthorities now believe it's only about 20 homes destroyed by bushfire south west of Sydney
Read more »
Two emergency warnings issued for Vic fires | Sky News AustraliaA fire burning in all directions across Victoria's East Gippsland region has escalated to emergency level.\n\nTwo warnings are in place for the blaze bearing down on homes around Ensay and Tambo Crossing.\n\nResidents in those areas are being told to seek shelter as the fire approaches as it's too late to leave.\n\nThe fire at Marthavale-Barmouth Spur is travelling in a north-easterly direction towards Ensay.\n\nThat same fire is also travelling in a south-easterly direction - threatening lives and homes in Stirling, Tambo Crossing and Wattle Circle.\n\nImages: News Corp Australia\n\n
Read more »
Homes lost in bushfires amid NSW state of emergency and threats for multiple statesActing Prime Minister Michael McCormack has defended Scott Morrison's decision to take a family holiday during the bushfire crisis. auspol 9News
Read more »
'Completely powerless': Christmas tree farmers lose out in fire emergencyThe NSW bushfires are threatening Christmas tree farms and increasing the price of trees.
Read more »
Adelaide Hills bushfire burning out of control amid catastrophic conditionsThe Country Fire Service issues an emergency warning for a fire burning at Cudlee Creek in the Adelaide Hills.
Read more »