Department of Primary Industries: Update On Razorback Fire 0700 Hrs 18/01/03

Firefighters continued to battle blazes in the high country north of Benambra overnight, with significant spotting occurring on a number of fronts, causing concern for communities in the area.

Fire spotting east of the Mitta River, above Gibbo Junction, around the Fraser Tablelands and Porphyry Hill is threatening private property and spot fires from the Mount Arthur-Bogong fires has brought fire to the hills four kms to the west of Glen Valley.

The Bogong fire threatening Falls Creek has grown significantly and is likely to join up with the Razorback fire in the Big River Valley.

All firefighting resources in the southern sectors of the Razorback fire have been withdrawn from the forest and will be deployed into protecting farmland and homes. Experienced local CFA members will be leading these crews. Asset protection will include strike teams deployed to Hotham and Dinner Plain.

The firefighting resources at the Razorback and Bogong fires will be coordinated, providing seven CFA strike teams, 250 Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria crews, supported by 20 bulldozers and four firebombers.

Early prognosis for the weather situation is that it will be similar to yesterday, so significant fire activity can be expected, particularly earlier in the day.

Residents in the areas affected are reminded to enact their fire plans now to protect themselves and their properties.

For further information on parks and forests, contact Parks Victoria 131 963.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com