Emergency Warning Downgraded for Creswick Bushfire as Firefighters Battle Blaze
A bushfire burning near Creswick, about 20 kilometers north of Ballarat, Victoria, had prompted an emergency warning that was recently downgraded to an advice status. The fire, which broke out late in the afternoon on December 16, 2024, is part of a series of bushfires across the state during an extreme heatwave that saw temperatures soar above 40°C in parts of Melbourne and beyond.
Emergency services initially issued a warning for the areas around Wattle Flat and Clarkes Hill, urging immediate evacuations due to the out-of-control blaze. The fire had started in the Creswick State Forest and quickly spread towards Howards Road in Wattle Flat. However, by 9 p.m. on the same day, the situation began to improve, and authorities downgraded the emergency warning to an advice message, easing the immediate threat for people in those areas.
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Despite the downgrade for Wattle Flat and Clarkes Hill, a “Watch and Act” warning remains in effect for areas including Dean, Newlyn, Newlyn North, and Springmount. The fire continues to burn with changing wind conditions, and the threat is still significant. The fire, which is moving in a south-easterly direction, has now covered around 84 hectares, and firefighters are working tirelessly to contain it. Nearly 60 Country Fire Authority (CFA) vehicles and 250 firefighters, along with four helicopters and three planes, have been mobilized to control the blaze.
This bushfire is just one of several fires sparked across the state as the heatwave grips the region. On the same day, other fires were downgraded to advice alerts, including one near the Grampians National Park and another near Glenorchy, north-west of Stawell. The extreme heat, combined with gusty winds of up to 60 km/h, has made conditions particularly dangerous for firefighters and residents alike.
The cool change that swept through Ballarat around 5:30 p.m. provided some relief, causing temperatures to drop significantly. However, authorities have warned that conditions could worsen again, urging everyone in affected areas to remain vigilant.
A relief center has been set up at Doug Lindsay Reserve in Creswick for those in need of shelter, and many roads in the area have been closed for safety. Residents have been advised to check road conditions before returning to their homes, as some routes remain blocked due to the fire’s path.
The swift and intense spread of the fire in these dry conditions is a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by bushfires during Australia’s summer months. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely, with additional firefighting resources on standby to respond to any changes. While the heatwave is expected to ease, the fire danger remains high in several regions across Victoria.
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