Number of Homes Destroyed by Australia Bushfire Surpasses 100 – Authorities

A spokesman for the state’s emergency services said 98 homes had been burned in the community of Wye River and another 18 in nearby Separation Creek, which are about 75 miles southwest of Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road.

The emergency management commissioner Craig Lapsley said the blaze could continue burning until January or February.

The incident was a reminder to people to act if they see an animal near a fire that “looks off”, Wildlife Victoria’s Amy Hidge told The Guardian.

Just a few kilometres out of Wye River waterbombers have returned to the skies today to fight flare ups in the more than 2000 hectares of still-smouldering bushland.

“This fire doesn’t go away”.

He has had to let go most of the additional staff hired over summer to help with increased demand.

Lorne was evacuated on Christmas Day, amid fears a south-westerly wind change would turn the fire front on the town on Christmas night.

“It was great relief to see the first strike team coming here”, Moriarty said.

Firefighters are working desperately to prevent any further losses in the Otways and bulldozers have been deployed to create containment lines in the area.

“I work on the theory that if it happened to me, I’d like to think there would be people who could back me up”, he said. If it is safe for you to get in touch, we’d like to hear your experiences.

The state premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, confirmed an additional 50 destroyed houses on Saturday in a press conference, bringing the total number of homes destroyed to over 100.

But “Black Saturday” was the worst firestorm in recent years, devastating southern Victoria in 2009, razing thousands of homes and killing 173 people.

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s biggest tourist draws but it was mostly closed to traffic yesterday.

Mr Andrews urged tourists to continue enjoying their holidays in the area, but to stay aware of conditions at all times.

Surf Coast Shire Lorne ward councillor Clive Goldsworthy said the Lorne township was still busy on Friday afternoon.

Fifty-three houses have been destroyed in Separation Creek and Wye River due to the blaze.