Residents of Craigieburn North are being urged to prepare for the impact of smoke from the landfill fire at Somerton.
Incident Controller Gavin Wright said modelling conducted by CFA and the Bureau of Meteorology have forecast a change in wind direction and lower cloud. This has the potential to see smoke from the fire travel towards the suburb tonight and tomorrow.
“A wind a change expected this evening and low cloud will create an inversion layer which will cause smoke to drift lower over Craigieburn North,” Mr Wright said.
“Residents need to close their doors and windows and switch off heaters and air-conditioners, and stay indoors.”
A Community Information Point will be opened tomorrow between 10.00am - 4.00pm at the Hume Global Learning Centre Craigieburn, 75-95 Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn.
Representatives from CFA, EPA, Department of Health and Human Services and Ambulance Victoria, City of Hume, and Victorian Council of Churches including members of Islamic Council will be in attendance to provide relevant and up to date information to the community
An advice message has been issued by the CFA. EPA Victoria has set up air monitoring equipment at the siteand throughout surrounding communities including Craigieburn.
Mr Wright said it was important that residents in the surrounding area stay informed.
“Visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au, listen to emergency broadcasters such as 774 ABC or call the Victorian Bushfires Information Line on 1800 240 667,” he said.
Mr Wright said firefighters had made significant progress controlling the fire but it would still be some time before the fire would be controlled.
“We have used heavy machinery to separate the burning pile into two and are using specialised equipment to fight the fire from above,” he said.
The fire in a rubbish pile on Patullos Lane started in the early hours of Friday morning.
The cause will be investigated.
Author: CFA Media