RESIDENTS of the small community of Highlands near Yea, northeast of Melbourne, have been told they're on their own if the bushfires swing their way.
Dan Elisha, who owns bed and breakfast business Arora Castle Cottages, said the seven tankers that were to protect their properties have broken down and are in Yea for repairs.
But he's staying put.
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Mr Elisha said he built his brick home and three cottages as fireproof as he could, with a two-metre-wide concrete path around them and six water tanks containing 130,000 litres.
But with a cherry orchard next door, the builder from Melbourne who made the tree-change eight years ago says he wishes he'd built a bunker.
He says the fire's about 12km away but could come closer if the northerly winds pick up as expected later in the week.
AAP