Poolaijelo and Langkoop communities affected by large bushfire

The fire, which has is still burning within small areas of private Plantation near Ryans Road, started as the result of a car fire in South Australia that crossed east into Victoria on new years eve.

CFA Incident Controller Mark Gunning said more than 7330 hectares of grassland and scrub had been burnt as a result of the blaze.

"Fortunately, we have seen no losses to homes at this stage, however, there has sadly been livestock and wildlife losses throughout the area", he said.

Edenhope Oval was turned into a helipad as aircraft was called in to help battle the fire and establish containment lines to stop the spread.

Some roads in the area have been closed, including Casterton-Apsley Road between Dergholm- Edenhope Road and Fergusons Road, west of Powers Creek.

Mr Gunning said Victoria Police were overseeing traffic management checkpoints in the area as crews managed hazardous trees bordering the roadside.

"Trees affected by fire provide a significant risk to public safety due to falling branches and therefore the need to have the roads closed until crews assess and remove those trees that are at risk," he said.

Hay donations have also been established for farmers in the affected area who have lost large amounts of livestock.

Casterton farmer Rob Pilmore has been accepting hay donations and has plans to deliver a truckload of hay to farmers once conditions ease and access returns.

Mr Pilmore said the hay drive had evolved after he and other farmers helping fight the fire saw the devastation it had inflicted on livestock.

"Me and a bloke that helps me out on the farm we just came up here to help fight the fire and help sort out and destroy stock," he said.

"I have trucks as well, so it just fell hand in hand that we were getting a load of hay to help them out. Someone else said they would donate some hay and it has just snowballed from there."

He said he was impressed by the community effort from people in the area to support those affected.

"This fire was particularly hot, and as far as livestock go they are either dead or they are bad.

"There are two families in particular that have lost a lot, they have only got one animal left. A couple of others that normally run a few thousand are down to a couple of hundred.

"It is in quite a remote area, it is not like it is on the edge of a big town. Considering it has affected three or four little communities, they have all banded together pretty damn well. It has been a good response."

Agriculture Victoria staff have been working with property owners in supporting them with the management of their stock losses.

Fire-affected farmers with animal welfare concerns or livestock needing to be assessed can call Agriculture Victoria District Veterinary Officer Amy Sluggett on 0457 837 840.

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