More than 120 firefighters are continuing to battle a fire
sparked by a lightning storm in Victoria's west.
Lightning started five fires across the Casterton area in
Victoria's west yesterday afternoon.
Three of the fires were brought quickly under control and
firefighters were able control another fire at Martin's track
overnight.
But one remaining fire about 18km west of Casterton has
burned more than 2000 hectares and may not be considered
under control until late today, a Department of
Sustainability and Environment (DSE) spokesman said.
"The fires continue to expand. It's burning in stringy bark
vegetation and it's generally a wind-driven fire," he said.
"We've got plenty more work to do to bring it under control."
Bulldozers are continuing to build control lines while fire
bombers are helping from above.
While no properties are at risk, the fire will likely burn
into private plantations, the spokesman said.
He warned motorists to stay away from bushfire areas.
"The fires have not been in close proximity to houses. (They
are in) state forests principally and small areas of
plantation."
Bushfires in Little Desert National Park have also burnt more
than 400 hectares of land, but all fires were contained today
with aircraft continuing to monitor the blazes.
No properties are at risk.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.