Helicopter Footage Shows Huge Bushfire in Victoria Tourist Region

Helicopter footage from December 30 shows a large bushfire burning across a forest area south of the town of Buchan in the tourist-reliant East Gippsland region of Victoria.

Captured by Glen Morey, and shared to Twitter on January 4, the footage showcases the conditions which prompted an order for thousands of people to evacuate the East Gippsland region, as three major bushfires burned close to popular holiday destinations.

The Country Fire Authority issued ten emergency warnings relating to the fires by early afternoon on December 30. There were around 30,000 holidaymakers reported to be in the bushfire-affected area on this date when they were told to vacate the area for their safety.

On the same day, people in areas including Buchan and Suggan Buggan were told to seek shelter as it was too late to leave.

ABC Australia reported on January 6 that Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has committed $50 million to establish a permanent agency called Bushfire Recovery Victoria, to be headed by Ken Lay, the former police commissioner. Credit: Glen Morey via Storyful