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Fire claims a home in Crib Point. Picture: 9 News
AT LEAST one home has been lost and a further 20 homes are under threat from a bushfire raging out of control southeast of Melbourne.
The Country Fire Authority says the emergency warning, issued about 4pm on Monday, is for a fast-moving, out-of-control bushfire moving south from The Esplanade in Crib Point towards Disney St.
The warning area includes Crib Point, HMAS Cerberus and Stony Point, and residents are advised that it’s too late to leave and to take shelter indoors.
“Around 20 homes are at risk from the fire,†a State Control Centre spokeswoman told AAP.
“More than 100 firefighters, backed by 22 trucks and three firebombing aircraft are battling the blaze, which has caused a spot fire ahead of the main front.†The fire is listed as small at this stage, but it’s being pushed forward by a northerly wind.
The origin of the fire is not yet known.
HMAS Cerberus, southeast of Melbourne, is the Royal Australian Navy’s primary training facility.
Crib Point pharmacist David Porritt told Leader that the swift upgrade from fire alert to emergency warning had taken residents by surprise.
Temperatures are expected to reach above 35 degrees today and tomorrow across Victoria.
For more information go to emergency.vic.gov.au or phone the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.