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Update on Razorback fire, 7.00hrs, 15/01/03

We want to ensure minimum impact on the environment

By DSE / CFA - 15th January 2003 - Back to News

The fire in remote mountainous country, north west of Benambra, known as the "Razorback" fire, has now burned just over 6000 hectares of bush. Overnight backburning by joint fire crews from the Departments of Sustainability and Environment, Primary Industries, Parks Victoria and the CFA progressed slowly in cooler temperatures. More backburning is planned for today, with strengthening of control lines across the northern section of the fire.

Some spotfires were detected on the west side of the Omeo Highway, north of Razorback Spur track, in steep country. Crews have contained these with rakehoe trails. Continuing work with bulldozers is also establishing fallback lines and breaks.

Regional Fire Manger David Tainsh said that today’s strategy is to complete the construction of patrol lines, suppress spot fires and protect private assets.

"We want to minimise the size of this fire as safely as possible and ensure minimum impact on the environment," Mr Tainsh said.

"The Omeo Highway is being patrolled to prevent further spotovers from the fire. Trees have been falling across the highway, slowing ground work and causing concern for firefighter safety."

Aircraft on standby at the Benambra airbase will be deployed to attack the fire as soon as the cloud lifts in the area.

The CFA and the Department held two public information meetings in Benambra and Omeo yesterday to inform communities about the situation of the fire and listen to their concerns.

For further information on the fire situation, please contact:

• Victorian Police Advice line on 1800 444 343
• Parks Victoria Information Centre on 131 963
• CFA Information line on 131 599

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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