Some good rainfall across Gippsland yesterday has assisted fire agencies to contain some of the bushfires burning in our region.
[Media release: Thu, 20 Feb 2014]
The Mt Ray - Boundary Track fire near Glenaladale is contained after burning 6,872 hectares. There was rain on the fire last night but there are still some hot spots so crews are working today on making the fire safe. Three homes plus sheds, fences and livestock have been destroyed. About 900 hectares of plantations have also been damaged.
The Timbarra-Gil Groggin fire, estimated to have burnt 1609 hectares, flared up yesterday afternoon with increased wind. The fire spotted outside control lines on the south eastern edge of the fire north of the Windarra property. Fire-fighters, including aircraft are focussing on this area today to construct control lines around spot fires.
The Goongerah-Deddick Trail fire has burnt through 137,500ha and has a perimeter of 685 km, while the Club Terrace-Goolengook River fire has burnt through 8,071 ha and has a perimeter of 88 km.
Wind increased significantly this afternoon and a spot fire started in private bush in the Goongerah township. CFA/DEPI crews and aircraft have responded to extinguish this fire and an Emergency Warning was issued to the community.
Community liaison officers are working in the Bendoc and Tubbut areas to ensure that locals have updated information, and also provide an opportunity to feed information back to fire agencies.
The Incident Management team is also organising tours of the Newmerella base camp for local residents and students.
The Bonang Road has been closed between Orbost and Bonang due to the increased fire activity in Goongerah. Residents will be advised when the road is open again.
Four community meetings (Delegate, Goongerah, Club Terrace and Bonang) occurred since last Wednesday 12 February, with high attendance and interest.
Park closures remain in place for Snowy River National Park, Errinundra NP, Alpine NP (from Willis to McKillops Bridge) and Lind NP.
There are 363 fire fighters working on the fires in Gippsland today, supported by 148 4WD vehicles, 8 tankers, 57 dozers and graders, and 13 aircraft.
For further information on fires or planned burns in Victoria and general fire safety, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on freecall 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call textphone / telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969. Also tune into local ABC and commercial radio stations.
[Media Contact: Andrew Oldroyd, Gippsland Regional Control Centre – 5177 3265]
Author: Martha Johnson