Hot and windy weather is expected to inflame peat fires burning in southwest Victoria with up to 30 properties still in the danger zone. More than 225 firefighters have been battling the smouldering blazes at Lake Cobrico and Lake Elingamite for more than a fortnight as toxic fumes threaten residents in the nearby town of Cobden. Last week, 55 residents from a Cobden aged-care home were evacuated and the town’s primary school remained closed. Corangamite Shire mayor Jo Beard said the community was facing a long road ahead. “The community has been extremely patient,” she said. “We’re under no illusion … it’s something we’re going to have to get used to for a while.”
