2 months ago
23
Dozens of West Australian emergency services specialists are flying to Victoria as devastating bushfires ravage communities across the state.
About 350,000 hectares have been burnt as 32 fires continue to burn across Victoria’s regions, with more than 300 buildings destroyed as of Sunday afternoon.
Trees burn along a road near Longwood, Victoria.
A contingent of 20 WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services workers and 18 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions personnel departed from Perth Airport on Sunday morning for a week.
The group includes a taskforce leader and 20 arduous firefighters, who will head to the frontline in Victoria’s Barwon South West.
Meanwhile, a 17-member incident management team will support local firefighters in Gippsland.
Loading
DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm said Victoria had faced a “particularly difficult” three days.
“That three days has left them with a lot of fire on the ground that they’re now going to have to spend maybe up to three or four weeks in terms of making those fires safe, even if they don’t have other ignitions,” he said.
“So [it’s a] difficult, three or four weeks coming up for them.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has urged residents to stay away from fire-ravaged communities, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced an extra $19.5 million for fire-affected communities on top of personal hardship grants unveiled on Friday.
Some of the most severe fires are burning to north-east of Melbourne, including in regions bordering New South Wales.
One fire near Longwood covers about 136,000 hectares, though that is down from 142,000 recorded on Saturday.
WA Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said the government’s thoughts were with all Victorians impacted by the catastrophic bushfires.
“The Cook government stands ready to provide resources, and is proud that WA emergency services heroes put up their hands at such short notice to help protect these communities in their time of need,” he said.
Most Viewed in National
Loading
