East Gippsland fire update 25/2/14

You are here:

Everyone should stay aware of their local weather conditions and have a bushfire survival plan ready. Existing fires are still being controlled and conditions could change quickly.

Fire activity continues to be monitored in and around the communities of Bete Bolong North, Bete Bolong, Yalmy, Buchan, Jarrahmond, Orbost, Murrindal, W Tree, Butchers Ridge, Gelantipy, Wulgulmerang East, Bonang, Deddick Valley, Cabanandra, Tubbut, Dellicknora, Goongerah, Martins Creek and Sardine Creek.

Firefighters and aircraft continue to monitor the area and conduct mitigation activities as required. Backburning and strengthening of control lines is currently occurring in the areas of Sardine Creek, Bonang Road, Ferntree Track and Goongerah.

Resources currently deployed to the fire response include 240 crew, 112 slip-on units, 3 tankers, 40 plant and aircraft.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS

Goongerah – Wednesday 26th February, 12:30pm at the Goongerah Hall (includes a barbecue for local residents).

Bonang – Sunday 2nd March, 12.30pm at the Bonang Hall (includes a barbecue for local residents).

ROAD CLOSURES

The Bonang Road from Orbost to Goongerah remains closed.

The Bonang Road from Bonang to Goongerah remains open to local residents only, with proof of residency being required at the traffic management point established at Rising Sun Road, Bonang.

The Yalmy and Pinnak Roads are also closed.

PARK CLOSURES

Errinundra National Park
Lind National Park
Snowy River National Park
Alpine National Park below Willis to McKillops.

For information about park, forest and road closures: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/forestry-and-land-use/visiting-parks-and-forests/closures-of-parks-and-forests/.

DRIVE SAFELY

Remain cautious of hazardous trees.
When driving in smokey conditions, slow down, use your headlights and maintain adequate distance between you and other vehicles.
Limit your driving to essential activities to ensure roads are as clear as possible for emergency vehicles and crews to continue their work.
If you are experiencing smoke exposure, seek medical advice or call Nurse-on-Call on 1300 606 024.
If you see injured wildlife, please call Wildlife Victoria on 1300 094 535.
Drive with care as there could be wildlife or stock wandering on roads. Farmers may also be transporting stock, so watch out for stock trucks.
Remember where applicable only emergency service vehicles are allowed to drive past or around “Road Closed” signs. They are put there for public safety and to reduce traffic in a dangerous area.

STAY INFORMED

Facebook (facebook.com/cfavic) or Twitter (Twitter @ CFA_Updates).
Local ABC Radio: 828AM 97.1FM 104.9FM 106.1FM
TRFM Commercial Radio: 99.9FM; Gold 1242: 1242AM
Check for the latest warnings and advice messages at either www.depi.vic.gov.au/fires or www.cfa.vic.gov.au.

EMERGENCIES

In an emergency, call '000'.

FIRE INFORMATION

Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) 1800 240 667
VBIL via the National Relay Service 1800 555 677
Callers with hearing or speech impairment can call the VBIL via the National Relay Service
VicEmergency website www.emergency.voc.gov.au
Department of Environment and Primary Industries 13 61 86 www.depi.vic.gov.au/fires
Country Fire Authority www.cfa.vic.gov.au

ROAD CLOSURES

VicRoads 13 11 70 www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

PARK CLOSURES

Parks Victoria 13 19 63 www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

RECOVERY INFORMATION

Emergency Relief and Recovery Victoria 1300 799 232 www.recovery.vic.gov.au

East Gippsland Shire Recovery Line 1800 100 298 www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au

For assistance with fencing and water related issues.
For referal to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund.

Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Orbost 5161 1222

For assistance repairing damaged fences bordering public land.
For assistance rehabilating control lines constructed by fire agencies.

Victorian Farmers Federation 1300 882 833 www.vff.org.au

For assistance sourcing fodder.

COUNSELLING AND HEALTH ADVICE

The impact of an emergency such as a bushfire can be stressful and exhausting. People are encouraged to look after themselves in this period. People who readily use formal and informal support from family, friends or other support organisations are generally found to recover better from stressful situations.