A bushfire at Gaffneys Creek in central-east Victoria is currently burning out of control, prompting authorities to urge residents to evacuate the area immediately. The fire has already consumed over 60 hectares of land and is advancing towards the south-east. Local emergency services have deployed more than 21 vehicles to combat the blaze, indicating the severity of the situation.

Residents closest to Gaffneys Creek have received direct warnings to leave, while those in adjacent areas like Woods Point are under a 'Watch and Act' advisory. The local infrastructure has been affected significantly, with roads such as the Mansfield-Woods Point Road closed, thus limiting access and evacuation routes. This situation puts additional pressure on local authorities and emergency services, requiring swift action to ensure resident safety.

Operations at local establishments such as the Woods Point Commercial Hotel are also impacted. The hotel operator, Carley Burdon, highlighted the rapid changes in the fire situation and noted that power loss in the area complicates communication efforts. Community gatherings, like town meetings at local venues, are becoming crucial for informing residents about safety procedures and updates, underlining the deep communal ties and collaborative efforts required in crisis situations.