Update On Bogong Complex Fires

Mount Hotham, Omeo, Benambra under threat

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

Weather conditions in Victoria’s Alpine district are expected to deteriorate today, with strengthening northwesterly winds resulting in increased fire activity. The fire has the potential to travel long distances, at times up to a kilometre per hour today.

The Feathertop fire has spotted towards Hotham village and there has been intense fire behaviour at Porphyry Hill and Fraser Tablelands north of Benambra. The Toke Gibbo fire, also north of Benambra is travelling north east rapidly.

The focus for all fire crews is on the protection of people and property, with a vast amount of work completed over the last few days undertaken to minimise the impact of today’s conditions.

Southern Sector Incident Controller, Ben Rankin said that work on protecting assets will continue, with retardant and foam used to protect assets at most immediate risk.

"Some successful backburns have been completed and our efforts today will concentrate solely on protecting private property and assets in the area," Mr Rankin said.

"However, residents must realise that resources are likely to be stretched to the limit today and it will be impossible to have a fire crew protecting every property under threat."

Residents in affected areas are advised to implement their bushfire plans. Those who are unable or unprepared to stay and defend their properties should consider leaving for a place of safety early in the day, before conditions make it unsafe to do so.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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