Emergency warning downgraded for Benloch area, crews continue to battle bushfire
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A bushfire is continuing to burn out of control in central Victoria but an emergency warning has been downgraded for the Benloch area.
Authorities have confirmed two properties have been lost.
The fire covers 4000 hectares and fire crews are predicting it will take another couple of days to bring under control.
An emergency warning has been downgraded to a watch and act for Benloch, Pastoria East, Pastoria, Nulla Vale, Sidonia, Baynton, Baynton East and Emu Flat.
State Control Centre spokesperson James Todd said the fire has split into a number of fronts.
A huge crowd turned out at a community meeting in Lancefield yesterday with residents directing their anger towards the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning which lit the controlled burn a week ago.
READ MORE: Local says fire ‘should never have been lit’
Locals were dismayed the planned burn went ahead despite predictions of volatile conditions.
Premier Daniel Andrews said it is going to be a long, hot, dangerous summer.
Full house at Lancefield for a community meeting about the 3000 hectare fire @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/EmmM3fDPLh
? Alicia Byrne (@AliciaB22) October 7, 2015
The Lancefield bushfire continues to burn across 3000 hectares. Smoke billows across the skyline. @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/fdLKfUHVH4
? Alicia Byrne (@AliciaB22) October 7, 2015
BREAKING: ‘At least 1 house is gone; completely razed’ – Ch9 pilot Ross Barker with Tom Elliott from Cobaw fire. pic.twitter.com/lo5o9xItCn
? 3AW Melbourne (@3AW693) October 6, 2015
RELATED: Environment minister to issue ‘please explain’ to Victoria over planned burns