‘Not safe to return’: Victoria SES official urges residents to heed advice

Victoria SES State Response Controller Tim Wiebusch says it is “not safe” for residents to return to homes where emergency warnings are active as firefighters are yet to control a blaze in the state’s west. The bushfire in Western Victoria has been burning for nearly two days. Emergency warnings remain active for residents in Bayindeen, Elmhurst and Mount Lonarch. While locals in Glenpatrick, Amphitheatre, Raglan and surrounding areas have been advised it is not safe to return. “This bushfire is certainly not yet under control,” Mr Wiebusch told Sky News. “The good news is that weather conditions over the coming days will be more favourable for that direct attack on that fire. “For the people who are living in the footprints for the emergency warning and the watch and act, we are advising people that it is not safe to return.”