A group of around 60 sled dogs have been left stranded in the Victorian fire zone and their owner is refusing to leave without them.
Brett Hadden and his huskies fled their property at Cobungra over the weekend to shelter at the showgrounds in Omeo.
About 50 residents have been evacuated from the area by Chinook helicopters, but the aircraft are only able to carry people.
“I would love to evacuate, but I’ve got too many animals,” Hadden told 7NEWS. “They know what’s going on, but as long as I’m here, they’re okay”. Hadden has been sleeping in a swag while the dogs are tied alongside each other to a fence at the showground.
On Sunday, he was able to briefly return to his home, which is still standing. “The flames came up the mountain ridge and went right around it,” he said. ‘They know what’s going on, but as long as I’m here, they’re okay’.
The temperature in Omeo dipped to below 10 degrees and there was light rain, providing some relief for firefighters. Hadden has been caring for the huskies for many years and they work as sled dogs in the alpine region. Hadden has been sleeping in a swag while the dogs are tied alongside each other to a fence at the showground.