A community information newsletter was released today to help residents and travellers around Lorne and the Great Ocean Road stay informed about two fires between Lorne and Wye River.
Lorne – Jamieson Track
There is no threat to communities at this stage. Holidaymakers and visitors are able to travel along the Great Ocean Road and enjoy what local Otway businesses have to offer. Please continue to listen for bushfire updates and drive to conditions.
Bushfire information
The Lorne Jamieson Track fire, located 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 163 hectares.
Firefighters are working in difficult terrain to bring the fire under control. Smoke and flames will be visible throughout the day and through the evening as crews undertake burning out operations to strengthen containment lines. Businesses, communities and visitors are ask 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 http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/great-otway-national-park
Safety information
Smoke will be visible along the Great Ocean Road and road users are advised to turn headlights on low beam when travelling through smoke. Road users are to be mindful that emergency vehicles, firefighters and aircraft will be working in the area and drive to conditions. Traffic management may be implemented if conditions change.
People are asked to stay clear of operating helicopters refilling from water sources for both their own safety, and that of aircraft personnel.
Coastal communities and visitors travelling along the Great Ocean Road between Wye River and Lorne should continue to monitor the fire situation and implement their fire plan.
Stay informed
For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety advice, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 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
Health information
For information on how smoke from bushfires can affect your health, and emergency assistance availability.
The Department of Health & Human Services www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/emergency.
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, seven days a week for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria).
Road information
Travel on the Great Ocean Road may be interrupted.
Information about road closure updates is available via 13 11 70 or the VicRoads website www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Author: CFA Media