SOME GREAT NEWS FROM CFA: Saturday 18 January 2014- 2.00pm Gippsland fire situation Cooler and calmer conditions today have reduced fire activity and will give Gippsland’s firefighters the chance to consolidate control lines and try to prevent further spread of the fires across the region. It will also mean they can work more comfortably after a huge effort in yesterdays extreme temperatures. Regional Fire Controller Grange Jephcott is urging all Gippslanders to take this opportunity to revise their fire plans and know what they will do when the weather heats back up. “Although today’s weather conditions have eased, the threat from fire does remain very real,” Mr Jephcott said. “There is still a large amount of fire in the landscape and while we do not expect community impact today or the days ahead, it will only take one hot windy day for these fires to spread.” The complex of small fires in the Mullungdung State forest are all contained but there is still an advice message in place for surrounding communities who will see smoke in the area. Crews are continuing to black out and patrol all these fires. Tamboritha-Carey River fire is at 112 hectares in steep, inaccessible, remote country. The Tarli Karng walking track network is closed and visitors to the area are advised to stay out of the Carey River catchment and the Mount Wellington to Millers Hut 4WD area. The Glenaladale fires have been downgraded from Watch and Act to Advice message, but affected communities should stay alert and monitor conditions. Crew will be working hard today to prevent any further spread of fire. There are still 17 going fires in the Club Terrace area today and crews do not expect that these fires will cause any concern to the community while the weather conditions remain as they are. The Princes Highway was opened to traffic this morning after it was closed due to the fire situation between Orbost and Cann River. The Bonang Highway remains closed to traffic between Orbost and Bonang. The fire at Westbury is now listed as controlled and crews continue to patrol the fire area extinguishing any hot spots. This fire grew to 166ha and roads remain closed in the area. Locals are urged to stay informed and actively seek further information about the fire situation through your local emergency radio broadcasters including ABC 100.7FM, TRFM 99.5FM and Gold 1242AM. Locals and those planning to pass through the area should factor this potential closure into travel plans. Further details of this will be advised when confirmed. In the meantime keep an eye on the VicRoads Road Closures and Traffic website or call 13 11 70. For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may contact VBIL via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677. People should also tune in to their emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations or SKY NEWS Television. Information is online at depi.vic.gov.au or cfa.vic.gov.au
Posted on: Sat, 18 Jan 2014 03:57:16 +0000
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