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Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and EnvironmentDse And Cfa Crews Remain On High Alert For FiresThe fire at Blonde Bay, south of Bairnsdale, caused by an unattended campfire, has been contained by DSE and CFA firefighters overnight. By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 26th March 2004 - Back to News Incident Controller, Ewan Waller said that the result was better than expected, but crews will remain on high alert blacking out and patrolling the fire area.
"This fire was difficult to work on due to the swampy ground and the volatile coastal vegetation in the area," Mr Waller said.
"We concentrated on protecting nearby houses and also trying to ensure minimal disturbance to a rare orchid population at the site of the fire."
Over 100 DSE and Parks Victoria firefighters are making good progress on three fires in State Forest and National Park north of Erica and west of Noojee. The fires were the result of escapes from prescribed burns, caused by the unseasonally dry and windy conditions, high temperatures and low relative humidity.
Water bombing aircraft are supporting ground crews working with dozers, tankers and slip-on units.
No private property or assets are under threat and the fires are expected to be contained by late this afternoon.
Patrols are continuing at a further 10 prescribed burns in the forest north of Erica, in the Boola State Forest south east of Erica and in the Rowley's Ridge area to minimise the risk of any further escapes due to the unseasonal weather conditions. These prescribed burns were ignited early last week as part of the DSE’s fuel reduction and regeneration burning programs.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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