Towering Cloud of Victoria Bushfire Smoke Seen From Bairnsdale

Thousands of people were told to evacuate the East Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia, as three major bushfires burned close to popular holiday destinations on Monday, December 30.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” a warning by the Country Fire Authority said, urging civilians still in affected areas to immediately take shelter indoors. “It is too late to leave.”

There were around 30,000 holidaymakers reported to be in the bushfire-affected area on Sunday, when orders to leave the area were announced.

Video filmed by Peta Hanrahan from Bairnsdale shows a towering cloud of smoke rising from the fire. Credit: Peta Hanrahan via Storyful