Lorne, Camperdown, Cobden, Cobrico and surrounding areas are experiencing significant smoke activity due to fires burning west of Lorne.
Incident Controller, Alistair Drayton, said the main focus was to bring the Lorne Jamieson Track fire under control, located 8 km south west of Lorne in the Great Otway National Park, with burning out activity leading to increased smoke.
“Today crews are taking advantage of milder conditions burning out an area that will strengthen containment lines and remove fuel loads within the fire perimeter before hot and windy conditions return tomorrow.
“This burning out operation means increased smoke and flames will be visible throughout today and tonight, and the Christmas period. We remind the community if you are experiencing smoke exposure to seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.”
It is important that people with pre-existing health conditions, such as heart or lung conditions (including asthma), take their medication, follow their treatment plan and seek immediate medical advice if symptoms persist.
“We would also like to remind motorists driving on the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Wye River to drive carefully and be mindful that emergency vehicles, fire fighters and aircraft are working in the area. Motorists should turn headlights on low beam when travelling through smoke, but we request you do not block the road by slowing down or stopping to look at what is going on.
“We are also setting up a base camp to accommodate fire fighters near Forrest, a small town 18km west of Lorne, so motorists should be aware of increased emergency services vehicles on the Cape Otway Road between Barwon Downs and Skenes Creek.”
Businesses, communities and visitors should remain vigilant and check for updates via www.emergency.vic.gov.au, tuning into ABC Local Radio, downloading the FireReady App or calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on 1800 240 667
For more information about bushfire smoke, visit https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/bushfire-smoke
Author: CFA Media