Australia: Emergency warning issued for bushfire near Ballarat, Victoria, Dec. 16

Emergency crews are responding to a bushfire burning near Ballarat in Victoria as of Dec. 16. The fire broke out near Melbourne Road in Creswick State Forest at around 17:00 Dec. 16 and is moving in a south-easterly direction from Creswick Road towards Howards Raod, Wattle Flat. A change in wind direction is expected in the coming hours and may direct the fire towards Dean and Mollongghip. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; further fire growth is possible in the coming hours.

VIC Emergency has issued an Emergency Warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale) advising residents in Clarkes Hill, Dean, and Wattle Flat to leave immediately as the fire is impacting the area. A Watch and Act Warning has also been issued for Dean, Newlyn, Newlyn North, and Springmount advising residents to leave now as conditions could deteriorate in these areas in the coming hours. Authorities may issue new warnings or update/rescind existing directives as the fire situation evolves over the coming hours. A relief center for evacuated residents has been established at Doug Lindsay Reserve, Lindsay Park Drive, Creswick. Several roads in the vicinity of the fire are closed; the latest information regarding evacuations and road closures can be found here.

The status of roads can change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the fire complex and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and response operations needs. Traffic disruptions are also likely during reentry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.

Smoke and ashfall from bushfires may cause poor air quality in the impacted parts of west-central Victoria. Power outages and utilities that rely on electricity could experience outages within and near the wildfire complex.

Smoke from fires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt the eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).