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Thanks to favorable weather conditions, the wildfire has remained largely static throughout the afternoon.
However, authorities caution residents that the bushfire is still neither controlled nor contained, and circumstances might change rapidly.
Earlier, thick smoke severely impaired visibility as flames tore through the steep and inaccessible landscape, complicating efforts for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) teams.
“We’ve deployed some machinery around the fire’s perimeter to establish a mineral earth break, aiming to prevent further spread overnight,” stated Tim McGrade from DFES.
The blaze erupted shortly before 2 p.m., prompting an immediate emergency warning and the activation of evacuation centers for residents.
Firefighters did not waste any time, tackling the blaze from the ground and the sky while the weather worked in their favour.
“We’ve been pretty lucky with the wind, it’s pretty still at the moment so the fire isn’t moving,” McGrade said.
The fire burnt through 27 hectares within three hours, the spread reduced by the lack of wind and a pocket only recently burned.
Relief for locals as properties spared and only power poles impacted.
“That’s a testament to the crews again and potentially to the community who’s prepared, and that’s a wonderful thing to see,” McGrade said.
A total fire ban is in place for parts of the state.
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