Good morning and welcome to the Sunday live blog, bringing you the latest breaking news from across the region. Victorian emergency services have issued a critical warning as a bushfire at Carlisle River, located in the south-west of the state, remains out of control and poses a direct threat to homes in the nearby town of Gellibrand.
Bushfire Emergency in Victoria
The fire is currently travelling east from the west of Gellibrand and has moved to within a kilometre of the town, escalating concerns for local residents. Authorities have raised the warning level to take shelter now, advising anyone in the affected area that it is too late to leave safely. This urgent directive underscores the immediate danger posed by the rapidly spreading flames.
Weather Conditions and Impact
This emergency follows an exceptionally hot day in Victoria, where temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius in Melbourne, creating ideal conditions for bushfire ignition and spread. This morning, a haze of smoke has been observed and smelled in inner Melbourne, highlighting the far-reaching effects of the blaze and raising air quality concerns for urban areas.
NSW Police Manhunt Update
In a separate development, New South Wales police are set to hold a press conference at 11am today from the regional town of Lake Cargelligo. This briefing will provide updates on an ongoing manhunt for a gunman suspected of killing his pregnant former partner and two other individuals. The search continues as authorities work to apprehend the suspect and ensure community safety.
Stay tuned for further updates as we monitor both situations closely throughout the day. The combination of natural disaster and criminal investigation underscores the diverse challenges facing emergency services in Australia today.
