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Update On Bogong (South) Complex Fire

Fire crews are today being deployed based on the forecast of strengthening winds

By DSE/CFA - 3rd February 2003 - Back to News

Fire crews are today being deployed based on the forecast of strengthening winds. Incident Controller at Swifts Creek, Geoff Evans said that they are expecting to be tested and will be prepared for a bad day.

"We have nine CFA strike teams and 120 DSE/DPI staff at Swifts Creek and Omeo, with our New Zealand friends joining us again today," Mr Evans said.

"We may also be able to use aircraft today as the smoke has cleared with a stronger wind, giving us the opportunity to bomb the fire directly and to monitor its location."

Mr Evans warned communities to stay on high alert, particularly in the Swifts Creek, Ensay, Bindi, Cassilis and Brookville areas.

In the Dellicknora Valley, three spotfires were successfully contained last night, after communities in that area were put on high alert for ember attack.

The spotfires in the Snowy River National Park have increased in size overnight and backburning operations in this area will be continuing.

In the Dargo area, crews and dozers have been working hard on tracks and backburns to protect the town and establish fallback lines.

The spotfire at Matheson’s Flat has increased in size with freshening winds overnight, but is still north of the containment line.

More US assistance arrives in Gippsland today, with Incident Management experts joining our teams in managing and planning the fire suppression effort.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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