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Update On Bogong (South) Complex Fire

Two new outbreaks have been identified in East Gippsland today, both of which are believed to have been caused by lightning in recent days

By DSE/CFA - 10th February 2003 - Back to News

Two new outbreaks have been identified in East Gippsland today, both of which are believed to have been caused by lightning in recent days.

One fire is burning about 30km northeast of Cann River and the other about 20km north-northeast of Orbost, near the Yalmy Road area.

Aircraft have been deployed to both fires, with aerial bombing already underway. Adding to the airborne effort, Elvis the Aircrane is being deployed to tackle the Orbost blaze.

Firefighters and heavy machinery are also on the scene, creating dozer lines around the fires. It is hoped these containment lines will be completed by this evening,

Residents of Chandler’s Creek and Buldah have been told they are not under direct threat but they should be on alert for the possibility of erratic fire behaviour tonight.

In other parts of Gippsland today, the Great Alpine Road was re-opened from Harrietville to Dinner Plain only, clearing the key access route to Mount Hotham. The road remains closed for the time being between Dinner Plain and Bruthen.

Vicroads crews are now focusing on other roads damaged by fire, such as the Bogong High Plains Road to Falls Creek.

Firefighters based at Buchan have had a quiet day, consolidating control lines, clearing roads and helping landholders with fencing problems. Their top priority now is to complete the containment line from the Gelantipy Road through Campbell’s Knob to the Snowy River.

At the Swifts Creek base, emphasis was placed on monitoring recent outbreaks, blacking out spot fires and preparing for the expected hotter weather mid next week.

Likewise at Dargo, where cooler temperatures made backburning difficult, as firefighters re-inforced containment lines and tracked two significant breakaways on Mount Birrugen.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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