‘Grave concerns’ as out-of-control fire burns west of Ballarat

Premier Jacinta Allan says there are “grave concerns” over an out-of-control fire burning in Beaufort, west of Ballarat.

“This is a fire situation that’s continuing to evolve very quickly,” Ms Allan said.

• This article was last updated at 6.05 pm on Feb 22. For the latest bushfire information go to emergency.vic.gov.au

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An emergency warning has been issued for Ballyrogan, Bayindeen, Beaufort, Ben Nevis, Brewster, Buangor, Buangor East, Chute, Cross Roads, Ercildoune, Eurambeen, Eversley, Glenbrae, Glenlogie, Lake Goldsmith, Langi Kal Kal, Lexton, Main Lead, Mena Park, Middle Creek, Mount Cole, Mount Lonarch, Nerring, Raglan, Shirley, Stockyard Hill, Trawalla and Waterloo.

• For the most up-to-date bushfire information go to emergency.vic.gov.au

One home has been lost and a prison in Langi Kai Kai has also evacuated prisoners with health concerns with the Emergency Services minister, Jaclyn Symes providing an update.

“The Langi Kai Kai prison, like all prisons in the state have very thorough emergency response plans,” she said.

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The Western Highway has been closed between Ballarat and Ararat due to a bushfire.

No V/Line trains or replacement buses are running between Ararat and Wendouree, and residents are urged to avoid travel.

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The bushfire threatening homes near Ballarat has spread through forested areas from Bayindeen to Beaufort according State Control Centre’s Luke Hegarty.

“It’s now spreading to grassland areas in what we’re starting to see through the Beaufort, a number of spot fires have started to take hold,” he said.

He also says the emergency warning has spread past Beaufort towards Trawalla.

“This is all along the Western Highway, a large part of that part of the state, both sides of the Western Highway with an emergency warning in place,” he said.

Image: Nine News/The Age.