SA firefighters deployed as Vic residents promised support amongst bushfire carnage
UPDATED: Charred and smouldering ruins have been left in the wake of destructive fires in Victoria with 30 blazes continuing to burn. SA firefighters have left to help fight interstate as a support package is announced.
Residents have been confronted with the devastation brought by Victoria’s catastrophic bushfires but danger remains with another statewide ban declared.
Fire-fighters battled multiple fronts on Saturday that have have so far torn through at least 115 structures and well over 300,000 hectares of bush and farmland.
A state of emergency was declared for 20 local government areas.
On Sunday, the federal and state governments announced that fire-ravaged Victorians will have access to support payments and emergency accommodation under a $19.5 million package, as more than 30 blazes continue to scorch the state.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Anthony Albanese made the joint announcement in Bendigo on Sunday.
“My message to Victorians is pretty simple, we’ve got your back,” the prime minister said.
“Not just during this crisis, but through the recovery as well.”
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South Australian firefighting personnel were this morning deployed to support emergency services responding to multiple uncontrollable bushfires threatening communities, as more than 700 Victorian firefighters and interstate crews battle the blazes.
Emergency Services Minister Rhiannon Pearce said there were about 150 personnel leaving today including from the SA Country Fire Service, South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, Department for Environment and Water (DEW), SA Ambulance Service, State Emergency Service and Fraser Fire and Rescue.
“South Australians can be proud of our firefighters from across the various agencies who are giving up time with their families over the holiday period to support their interstate counterparts,” she said.
“Victorian firefighters are being stretched due to the number of fires across that state and South Australia stands ready to support them through this difficult time.”
A blaze that ripped through Harcourt, northeast of Castlemaine in the Central Highlands in Victoria, claimed at least 50 structures, including homes and businesses.
Bonnie and Remy Sowman were speechless as they looked upon the blackened ruins of their cafe, which held a special place in the Harcourt community.
The couple made the decision to pack their bags and leave both their home and business on Friday when the conditions began to change.
She described the day as a blur.
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“We had a friend who posted some footage and it was bad along where we live. Most of the night we thought our house was gone,” she told AAP.
They received news on Friday night that their home was safe but the situation was very different for their business.
“We’re just grateful that we got out, everybody’s safe,” she said.
“We live in a beautiful community where everyone will pitch in and help and we’ve been completely inundated with beautiful offers from people.”
The danger is not over despite the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting milder weather on Sunday, with winds easing but changing direction.
“So that means people on the northern side of these fire zones could be in threat tomorrow,” senior meteorologist at the bureau Dean Narramore told ABC TV.
“And unfortunately there is really no rain on the way for at least the next five to seven days.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said conditions had eased but there was a long way to go before fires were brought under control.
“Understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies,” he said.
– AAP
