And Now For The Weather

Please pray for the firefighters, home owners and the authorities in Victoria.

By 7News:
Thousands of firefighters are desperately trying to set up containment lines around dozens of bushfires burning in Victoria's northeast.

The fires have already blacked out more than 150,000 hectares of bush and destroyed several homes. The fire emergency is expected to escalate tomorrow, with fears the fires will continue to join up and move south towards Gippsland.

Conditions for Sunday are expected to be even worse. Extreme temperatures and heavy winds could turn the fire front, potentially placing dozens of communities in its path. Hundreds of extra firefighters have been called in from neighbouring states and New Zealand to help deal with the threat.

Authorities say local residents must decide early what they are going to do.

"Prepare to fight, which is the preference," Premier Steve Bracks said.
"If you can't fight, to make those decisions early, but do not in any circumstance make a late decision, which could endanger your lives and other lives."

Deputy Chief Officer with the Country Fire Authority, Graham Fountain, said about 3,000 firefighters - mostly volunteers - were involved in efforts around the state.

"Conditions this afternoon have been quite conducive to some good work, but it's very rugged terrain we're working in here, very inaccessible," Mr Fountain said. He said the CFA wanted to encourage employers and the community to work with the volunteers and help them do their jobs.

Also involved were the Red Cross, the Victorian State Emergency Service, The Salvation Army and St John's Ambulance Service.

While firefighters were working on containment lines, Mr Fountain said it was impossible to tell exactly what would happen over the weekend.
"All we can do is give it our best shot," he said. "Nothing is successful until we totally extinguish these fires."

Some water-bombing aircraft involved in the firefighting effort were grounded today due to heavy smoke. Mr Fountain said similar conditions were expected tomorrow.

For residents in the fire zone, a bushfire information line has been set up. The number is 1800 240 667.