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Gippsland Fires Update

Firefighters and residents in Gippsland have endured another tough day

By DSE/CFA - 31st January 2003 - Back to News

Firefighters and residents in Gippsland have endured another tough day, with difficult conditions persisting throughout much of the region.

This morning’s hot and gusty northwesterly winds, followed by a sometimes unpredictable southwesterly change led to more extreme fire behaviour. It is now expected to be some hours before fire authorities will have an accurate picture

Areas around Brookville, Omeo, Cassilis, Bindi, Cobungra and Gelantipy (including Suggan Buggan through to W Tree) were placed on high alert at various times throughout the day and asset protection was the main priority.

After days of nervous waiting, the fire reached Omeo and Swifts Creek this afternoon, with a large number of spot fires occurring, some of which are still burning this evening.

Extreme fire behaviour saw embers flying in many areas, but a combination of good preparation and diligence on the part of local people and firefighters kept serious outbreaks to a minimum.

At Mount Hotham, fire reached containment lines at Dargo Court, with high winds throughout the morning. Fire also reached containment lines on three sides of Dinner Plain but remained contained.

Winds in these areas died down in the afternoon, with and light rain falling in some places, however the light winds saw thick smoke return to the area, causing aircraft to be grounded.

Embers from the eastern front of the Bogong Complex spotted well ahead, causing outbreaks near Gelantipy.

People are urged to remain alert to the possibility of embers causing spot fires, and residents in vulnerable areas should impliment their fire safety plans immediately.

Stock owners in areas that are likely to be impacted by fire are being reminded to consider removing their stock out of the area if they don’t have safe areas for stock to be kept.

Stock should be moved BEFORE the fire arrives, as the longer it is left, the more difficult it is likely to be.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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