An out-of-control grass fire near Ararat in western Victoria is travelling quickly towards a large wind farm, with those in the area told to leave immediately. An emergency warning was originally issued for the grass fire which has crossed the Western Highway near Buangor, but the warning was quickly downgraded to a watch and act alert.
An out-of-control grass fire near Ararat in western Victoria is travelling quickly towards a large wind farm, with those in the area told to leave immediately.
An emergency warning was originally issued for the grass fire which has crossed the Western Highway near Buangor, but the warning was quickly downgraded to a watch and act alert.
However, the fire is still out of control and those in Ballyrogan, Buangor, Dobie and Warrak have been told leaving is the safest option.
"There is a grass fire at Western Highway, Buangor that is not yet under control. The grassfire is travelling in a south easterly direction towards Challicum Hills wind farm," the warning reads.
"The area between the Western Highway and Challicum Hills wind farm …
An out-of-control grass fire near Ararat in western Victoria is travelling quickly towards a large wind farm, with those in the area told to leave immediately.
An emergency warning was originally issued for the grass fire which has crossed the Western Highway near Buangor, but the warning was quickly downgraded to a watch and act alert.
However, the fire is still out of control and those in Ballyrogan, Buangor, Dobie and Warrak have been told leaving is the safest option.
"There is a grass fire at Western Highway, Buangor that is not yet under control. The grassfire is travelling in a south easterly direction towards Challicum Hills wind farm," the warning reads.
"The area between the Western Highway and Challicum Hills wind farm could be impacted anytime within the next hour. Don't wait, leaving now is the safest option – conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency Services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay."
Challicum Hills wind farm was Australia's largest wind farm when it was completed in 2003. It has 35 wind turbine generators which are each 68 metres high.
People nearby are being told to travel away from the area and do a U-turn if they are driving towards the fire.
The local Pomonal CFA fire brigade are responding to the incident and said the highway is "well and truly closed".