Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Update On Razorback Fire 1600 Hrs 17/01/03

In a worsening fire weather situation several fires in north east Victoria this afternoon broke away from their intended control lines.

By DSE/CFA - 20th January 2003 - Back to News

In a worsening fire weather situation several fires in north east Victoria this afternoon broke away from their intended control lines.

The Mount Feathertop fire in particular has broken out on the east and western sides and is potentially threatening the Hotham Heights Alpine Resort.

CFA strike teams have moved into Mt Hotham, into Falls Creek and into Harrietville. Only Hotham Heights Alpine Resort is threatened at this stage and arrangements are being made for people to leave safely.

CFA and DSE staff are working closely with local communities as the situation develops.

The Great Alpine Road has been closed between Bright and Omeo. The Dargo High Plains Road has also been closed. Public access to the alpine resorts and surrounding area has been closed and will remain closed for several days.

Fire has spotted across containment lines on the western flank and is burning near Bogong Saddle on the Omeo Highway. Backburns are being monitored closely and bulldozers are working on fallback lines south of the fire, to protect private property in the Glen Wills area. Smoky conditions are still preventing the use of air bombers.

The fire near Tubbut that DSE and CFA crews worked on overnight has also flared under current weather conditions. Firebombers are now working on that fire.

Due to increased fire activity this afternoon, residents south of the Razorback fire, including Omeo and Swifts Creek areas can expect heavy smoke, with the possibility of some ash reaching their property.

The Department and the CFA reiterate that people must remain vigilant and not rely on the authorities for warning of approaching fire. They will not be able to let everyone know in time and residents are expected to be self-reliant in dealing with the situation.

Current road closures in East Gippsland as at 1530 hours on Friday January 17:

• Omeo Highway between Omeo and Mitta Mitta
• Great Alpine Road north of Omeo
• Benambra-Corryong road, between Omeo and Corryong
• Bogong High Plains Road, between Falls Creek and Omeo Highway
• Knocker Track
• Dargo High Plains Road

For local Community Information, please call the Swifts Creek DPI office on 51 595 143 or 51 595 136.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
  Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
  The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
  Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program.
• South Gippsland Shire Council extends footpath trading permits amid system update and upcoming fee changes
  South Gippsland Shire Council is updating its Footpath Trading Permit system. Current permits are automatically extended until December, with new fees applying next year. Businesses will receive updated information once finalised.