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Firefighters' terrified as they are almost engulfed by blaze


Firefighters are battling a suspicious fire burning in Victoria’s Gippsland, which whipped into a 10,0000-hectare inferno overnight.

It’s the work of an alleged firebug which forced 40 firefighters to take cover at Rosedale West on Friday night.

It grew from 500 hectares to 10,000 in just one hour and a fire truck, trailer and bulldozer were destroyed.

Emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp said firefighters “were left shaken” by the blaze.

Blazes roadside as crews head to Longford on Friday night. Source: Maffra Fire Brigade
Blazes roadside as crews head to Longford on Friday night. Source: Maffra Fire Brigade

About 70 residents were evacuated but Richard and Pia Crook stayed back to defend their 139-year-old home.

Ms Crook said the blaze was “a wall of fire”.

Saturday morning after fires ripped through the Gippsland region on Friday night. Source: Maffra Fire Brigade
Saturday morning after fires ripped through the Gippsland region on Friday night. Source: Maffra Fire Brigade

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said.

Mr Crook added at one stage they “were going to be in real trouble but the wind changed again”.

Ten aircraft were brought in to fight the fire. One continued throughout the night working to contain it.

It’s the first time in Australian history they’ve been allowed to fight a fire from the air overnight.

Bulldozers and clearing continued on Saturday afternoon and an arson probe began.

The fire has ravaged the region’s pine plantation causing millions in damage. Source: 7 News
The fire has ravaged the region’s pine plantation causing millions in damage. Source: 7 News

“Where anyone intentionally lights a fire and puts people at risk of injury and death it’s abhorrent,” Mr Crisp said.

While no one has died, one home is still under threat and wildlife has been killed.

Gippsland MP Darren Chester estimated the damage caused by the blaze will cost $7 million with up to $20 million due to the pine plantation’s destruction.

A community meeting was held at Longford where locals were told the fire is likely to burn for weeks.

It’s believed to be the work of an arsonist. Source: 7 News
It’s believed to be the work of an arsonist. Source: 7 News