While the north is consumed by bushfires, communities closer to home are being forced to adapt to life under extreme fire conditions.
Victoria had been under a statewide Total Fire Ban for three consecutive days with authorities warning that soaring temperatures, strong winds, and dry lightning significantly increased the risk of new fires and rapid fire spread.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported temperatures reaching the mid-40s, while the Tynong Fire Brigade urged residents to stay alert, monitor VicEmergency and have emergency plans ready.
“Any fires that start are expected to spread quickly and be difficult to control,” the brigade said.
Extreme conditions forced widespread cancellations and closures across local communities.
The Lost Woods Market in Emerald made the “incredibly hard decision” to cancel its Saturday’s event after hours of discussions with council, local authorities, and closely watching the devastation unfolding.
“We’ve also spoken directly with the local CFA, and with Puffing Billy deciding to close, plus stronger winds predicted, it just doesn’t feel right to go ahead,” organisers Jacqui and Emily said.
“With everything happening around us, and the responsibility to keep our Emerald community safe, the last thing we would want is to bring thousands of people into a small town. As much as it breaks our hearts, safety has to come first.”
As part of Cardinia Shire Council’s emergency response, Emerald Lake Precinct (Emerald Lake Park and Nobelius Heritage Park) was completely closed to all vehicles and pedestrians from Wednesday 7 January.
“All Council owned or managed facilities or services within the Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) will be closed on Friday 9 January to Sunday 11,” council spokesperson added.
“This includes all community centres, halls, kindergartens, MCH sites and sporting facilities.”
Cardinia Outdoor Pools (across Emerald, Garfield and Kooweerup) were also shut, with events such as the Garfield Pool Party postponed.
Aligned Leisure said power outages in Koo Wee Rup further affected access, with the pool unable to reopen until electricity was restored, which AusNet had predicted by 8am on Saturday, 11 January.
