Department of Primary Industries: Gippsland Region Fires

This newsletter from the Gippsland Incident Coordination Centre at Traralgon is to inform the local community and visitors to Gippsland about going fires and the control measures being used.

The Fires

An Incident Management Team has been set up in the Department of Primary Industries office in Swifts Creek to maintain the fire fighting effort at the "Razorback" fire, 40 kms north of Omeo.

This fire has burnt through nearly 8000 hectares and is one of a number of fires in the north east of Victoria’s High Country.

Status of the Fire

The fire, burning in steep, remote country north west of Benambra is known as the "Razorback" fire, relating to the Razorback Spur than runs through the centre of the area. Firefighters have been working through the night on backburning operations and strengthening of control lines, with more planned for today.

Fighting the Fires

There are over 100 personnel involved in the direct suppression of this fire on the ground, with another 64 supporting, planning and managing the situation from Swifts Creek Incident Control Centre and Staging Areas. Firefighters and management staff include personnel from the Departments of Sustainability and Environment and Primary Industries, Parks Victoria, the CFA and the Police.

There are also 12 bulldozers, 26 tankers and slip on units, four fixed wing firebombers and a helicopter supporting the firefighters.

Monitoring the Fire

The smoke that has been hampering efforts to attack the fire from the air is gradually lifting. As soon as it’s clear, the firebombers and helicopter reconnaisance will be deployed. Aircraft managers are continuously revising strategies to maintain air support and suppression.

There is no immediate threat to private property or the community. The fire is being very closely monitored and if there are any changes these will be immediately communicated.

The Weather

Weather conditions are mild at present, with today’s forecast conditions likely to aid firefighters in their suppression efforts.

Where to from here?

All efforts are currently being put into preventing the spread of fire from public land into private property. The safety and well being of the community and firefighters is a major consideration in the fire fighting efforts.

How will it affect you?

The Department and the CFA held two community meetings yesterday at Benambra and Omeo. These meetings were well attended, with positive response from the communities. If the situation warrants, there will be more of these meetings organised.

Residents in the Glen Wills and Glen Valley areas are reminded to watch out for falling embers, to wear appropriate protective clothing and to ensure that their fire plans are in place.

For up to date information about road closures in the area, please call the Hotline number: 1800 444 343.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com