Arabic version: تم إصدار أوامر الإخلاء مع استمرار حرائق الغابات بالقرب من غافنيز كريك

Residents in a remote community in central-east Victoria have been urged to evacuate as a fire continues to burn out of control. According to ABC News, more than 21 vehicles are responding to the blaze near Gaffneys Creek, which has now burned through more than 60 hectares of land and is continuing to travel in a south-easterly direction.

Authorities have instructed residents near Gaffneys Creek to leave immediately, while a Watch and Act warning is in place for residents near Woods Point. Roads have been closed in the area, with the Mansfield-Woods Point Road currently closed between Kevington and Woods Point.

Local business owner Carley Burdon, who operates the Woods Point Commercial Hotel, reported that a town meeting was underway at the pub to keep residents updated on the situation. She noted that the fire is not behaving very nicely and that the community has lost power at the moment.

Burdon expressed hope to keep the pub open to help feed firefighters and volunteers responding to the emergency. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by downloading the VicEmergency app or visiting the VicEmergency website.