The fires formerly known as Burnt Hut Track, Clutterbucks Road and Jensens Road have joined together and are now being called the Victoria Valley Complex. The size of the fire is approximately 12,000 hectares.
A community meeting for local residents will be held at the Mooralla Golf Club, 10.30am tomorrow, Wednesday 20th February 2013.
Southerly winds overnight and throughout the day have pushed the fire across the Victoria Range. Some spotting may be occurring. Planned burns completed last autumn along the Harrop Track within the Grampians National Park are expected to assist with controlling the spread of the fire to the west.
The south eastern edge of the fire in private property in Victoria Valley has quietened down and is being patrolled by local crews.
Communities west of the park including Cavendish, Glenisla and Woohlpooer may experience significant smoke drift from this fire. These communities should remain alert to fire conditions. Fire operations aim to keep the fire inside the park boundary.
At 7.50pm, Tuesday 19 Feb, there are two Watch & Act messages current. One for the communities west of the Victoria Range, and the other is for communities on the east edge of the fire in the Victoria Valley.
The Cassidys Gap Fire is active and smoke may be seen from the Dunkeld Area. The fire is located in difficult terrain. Thirty fire fighters have walked into this area to work on the fire line. The fire is also being attacked by water bombing aircraft. There is a current Advice message for this fire. www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings
Over 300 fire fighters from CFA, DSE & Parks Victoria are working on these fires with multiple aircraft including one Air Crane.
Author: CFA Media