By Mikayla van Loon
Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night on Saturday as a bushfire in Montrose threatened nearby houses, spread out of control and forced residents to evacuate.
CFA Incident Controller Bernard Barbetti told the ABC on Sunday that one house had been lost, one had been damaged, and about 33 hectares had burned after an unexpected burst of wind caused the fire to double in size.
“[The fire] made a significant run about midnight last night. We had a downburst. We thought we had the fire under control but it moved the fire north,” he told the ABC.
At 12.51am on Sunday, the situation became dire, with an emergency take shelter now warning issued, making it too late to leave.
“There is increased fire activity on the western side, near Jeanette Maree Court, and on the eastern side, near Ruby Road. There is also (a) significant ember attack on the northern edge,” the warning read.
“This fire is threatening homes and lives. It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now. You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.”
An emergency relief hub was set up at the Kilsyth Sports Centre at Pinks Reserve for around 25 residents who had to flee their properties.
“As usual we’re seeing our community come together and helping each other out, in particular the Montrose Township Group are doing some exceptional work,” Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said.
“We welcome all directly impacted residents to the Emergency Relief Centre and ask that others, who are not in need of that support, refrain from coming to the Centre.
“We will provide updates when we have them and our thoughts are with our residents at this distressing time.”
Sunday’s rain proved helpful, stopping the spread of the fire enough to provide some relief to firefighters.
“There was some concern that it may spot over and get over into the Dandenong Ranges, but I can’t see that happening with the conditions today,” Mr Barbetti said.
“I’m fairly confident the fire won’t spread much beyond its current area.
“But it’s a long, unburnt area. There are a lot of dead trees.”
Road closures are in place for Liverpool, Sheffield and Stradbroke Roads, with changed road conditions on Canterbury Road.
A community meeting will be held at Montrose Town Centre/Library at 3.30pm on Sunday 16 March.
“(The fire) is under control but burning within containment lines. Firefighters are working to fully extinguish this fire,” VicEmergency’s latest community advice notice states.
“Local roads can be accessed by residents only.”
The dry conditions and the heat of Saturday remain as a warning for the rest of the east and the state.
“With just a slight breeze this fire became much more significant in the middle of the night and many CFA brigades and volunteers worked a very long 12+ hour shift to help protect lives and property,” Warrandyte CFA posted to social media.
“While this fire was not in our patch – it’s a very good example how fires can behave with the current dry conditions.”
