There is no threat to communities at the moment, but it's important for communities surrounding Jamison Track to remain vigilant over the Christmas period when a wind change is expected late Friday 25 December.
The Great Ocean Road remains open, it will be down to one lane in areas near this fire and likely slow-going. People are encouraged to avoid travelling on the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Kennett River and to travel alternative routes if at all possible.
Please continue to listen for Bushfire updates and drive to conditions.
BUSHFIRE INFORMATION
The Lorne Jamieson Track fire, located 8km west of Lorne is still not yet under control. The fire was caused by a lightning strike on Saturday, 19 December 2015 and has burnt approximately 250 hectares.
Approximately 100 Firefighters are working around the clock in difficult terrain to bring the fire under control. Smoke and flames will continue to be visible.
Crews have under-taken a successful burning-out operation in difficult terrain with the aim of removing fuel from the path of the fire and strengthen containment lines prior to hot, windy weather that is expected on Thursday 24 and Friday 25.
Fire Danger ratings in the Bureau of Meteorology weather zones are forecasted to be Severe in the ‘South West’ and Very High in ‘Central’ on Christmas Day. Businesses, communities and visitors are asked to remain vigilant and listen to media updates.
CAMPERS AND VISITORS
The following camp sites within the Great Otway National Park are currently closed for public safety until further notice:
Wye River Road & Jamieson’s Campgrounds, Wye River Road Track, Godfrey’s Track, Jamieson’s Track, Curtis Track and Cumberland Track.
Check for information on Victorian National Park camp sites and walking tracks at here.
Tourist attractions such as Falls Festival remain on schedule to proceed, but visitors should keep monitoring event websites and fire conditions in case changes occur.
SAFETY AND ROADS INFORMATION
Smoke will be visible along the Great Ocean Road and inland areas. Road users are advised to turn headlights on low beam when travelling through smoke. Drivers can expect slow traffic conditions and are encouraged to avoid driving on the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Kennett River if at all possible.
Road users must also be mindful that emergency vehicles, firefighters and aircraft will be working in the area and as far inland as forrest where a base camp is operating for firefighting personnel.
Please stay clear of operating helicopters refilling from water sources for both your own safety, and that of aircraft personnel.
Coastal residents, visitors and people travelling along the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Kennet River should continue to monitor the fire situation and implement their fire plan.
Information on road closure updates is available via 13 11 70 or the VicRoads website here.
STAY INFORMED
General fire safety advice Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on free call 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment can call VBIL via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
For help with English call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VBIL. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.
Check for the latest warnings and advice messages at either www.emergency.vic.gov.au or www.cfa.vic.gov.au Facebook (facebook.com/cfavic) or Twitter (Twitter @ CFA_Updates)
Local ABC radio 774 AM
Sky News TV
Download the Fire Ready App
The CFA Mobile Education Unit will be on the Lorne Foreshore on Thursday 24 December 2015. This is a great place to learn about the fire and get help accessing information.
HEALTH INFORMATION
For information on how smoke from bushfires can affect your health, and emergency assistance availability:
Visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 (this is a phone service that allows you to discuss any health related issue with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria).
Public Notice:
Smoke Advice: Smoke has been reported over the roads in the Jamison Track area as far inland as Colac and Camperdown. Please drive with lights on low.
Drones: Due to aircraft operating in the Lorne and the Great Ocean Road area the operating of drone aircraft is not permitted.
Community Meetings at Lorne and Wye River.
Details for Community Meetings will be confirmed early next week.
Author: CFA Media