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UP TO 12 properties could be destroyed after a 1300 hectare blaze ripped through Dereel during yesterday’s total fire ban conditions.
Detectives were last night investigating if the grassfire was deliberately lit, while Mount Mercer residents faced an anxious night amid fears that a wind change could threaten their community.
State Control Centre spokesperson Tony Bearzatto said the fire started about 11am in the Ferrers Road area of Dereel.
More than 70 trucks, 300 firefighters and three aircraft were brought in to help control the blaze.
“There’s been reports of up to 12 properties affected.
“They’re unconfirmed at this stage,” Mr Bearzatto said.
“At the moment the fire activity has calmed down and they’re continuing to consolidate their control lines.
“Hopefully the fire activity will calm down throughout the night.
“We’ll continue to provide asset protection to those areas, particularly Mount Mercer. That may be under threat if conditions change.”
The flames burnt within metres of Doug Braddy’s house and dog kennel business in Dereel.
There were six dogs in the kennels, which Mr Braddy said were okay.
“We heard a big roar and it just went straight through the hill,” he said.
“I knew how fast it would go. And it went,” he said.
Mr Braddy said the flames started near Ferrers Road and within an hour had burnt through the adjoining gully that ran through his property.
Four firefighters were hospitalised after a truck crashed into a tree due to the thick smoke in the area.
The truck became immobilised and the fire burnt around the vehicle with the firefighters inside.
The injuries ranged from head injuries to burns.
“They were taken to hospital for check-ups throughout the night, and treatment and observation,” Mr Bearzatto said.
It was expected that they would have been released last night.
He said yesterday’s weather conditions were “very strong and erratic” making firefighting difficult and dangerous.
No official evacuations were enforced, but a relief centre was set up in the Rokewood Town Hall, before it moved to Linton Recreation Reserve later in the day.
Mr Bearzatto said a number of emergency warnings and watch and act messages were sent out during the day to keep the community informed.
However poor mobile phone reception in the area meant many residents were unable to receive up-to-date information on the fire.
“At threat at various stages was Corindhap and the other concern, depending on what happened with the wind change, was Mount Mercer,” Mr Bearzatto said.
Ballarat Police Acting Sergeant Chris Taylor said there was suspicion about the cause of the blaze and detectives were at the scene.
At least 10 police units from Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh and Colac also set up traffic management points and door-knocked homes in affected areas.
“Just to warn residents now is the time to activate their fire plans, and if they have to leave, to leave,” Acting Sergeant Taylor said.
The state control centre had more than 200 calls from around the state yesterday.
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