CFA - North East fire update - 10.30 am - 6 Dec

• Threats and containment works for Mansfield, King Valley/Wangaratta and Ovens complexes;
• Community meetings scheduled 06/12/2006

Mansfield Complex

Residents in the Tolmie area were advised overnight of immediate threats to their property with some residents making the decision to leave.

Several fires burning to the east and north of Mt Buller, Merrijig, Tolmie, Gears Hill and the Woods Point Mansfield Road between Knockwood and Burns Bridge, could also threaten these and surrounding communities over the next 12-24 hours, depending on weather and fire conditions.

If they have not already done so, resident in these areas advised to activate their bushfire plans and make an early decision whether they will stay or leave if fire threatens their home.

Residents are advised to continue to listen to ABC radio and other local stations for fire updates and details of community meetings throughout the day.

Work has continued through the night on the West King fire to the north east of Tolmie. Works are now proceeding on asset protection around Tolmie. A large number of machines will be used today with more requested. Work is continuing on construction of containment and fall back lines east of Tolmie.

Road Closures:

* Howqua River Road from Running Creek Reserve
* Steiners Road Carters Road Howqua Track
* Stirling Road from Mt Buller Road
* Jamieson - Woods Point Rd between Jamieson & Woods Point
* Mitchells Road Mansfield - Woods Point Road south of Jamieson
* Mitchells Track

Electronic Signage advising of closures at Mt Buller - Jamieson Road intersection

Tolmie-Whitfield Road at Tatong Road, advisory signs on intersection.

King Valley /Wangaratta Complex

Fire crews have worked to consolidate control lines on Loombah, Pazinni and Upper Rose River Road fires. The predicted south westerly wind change around midday today may cause some trouble for firefighters.

Properties to the east of West King fire, in the area of Lake William Hovel and King William above Lake William, may come under threat by the predicted south westerly change.

Residents in these areas are advised to activate their bushfire survival plan if they have not already done so.

The Black Range fire has jumped the containment line at the southern side and is causing concern. No properties are under immediate threat.

Road closures: Road closures for all but local and emergency services traffic:

* Greta South: Benalla Whitfield and Kilfeera Road (no south bound)
* Moyhu: Wangaratta Whitfield and Boggy Creek Road (no south bound)
* Tolmie: Mansfield Whitfield and Old Tolmie Road (no north bound)
* Whitfield: Lake Buffalo and Black Ridge Road (no east bound)

Ovens Complex

Mt Buffalo National Park was closed to all visitors as of this morning. The threat of north westerly winds with a south westerly change later today could send the Black Range fire into the Mt Buffalo National Park. The Mt Buffalo Road will be closed from the entrance station into the park.

Backburning operations were carried out in the Sugarloaf area overnight and the fire is now declared contained. Crews also worked overnight consolidating containment lines in the Upper Humffray area. Crews will continue to patrol the Guest fire during today.Asset protection works will continue today in Abbeyard.

Road closures are in place on the Buffalo river Valley Road at Merriang, the end of the asphalt road in Buckland Valley and the Dargo Road from the Great Alpine Road.

Community Meetings for Wednesday 6 December

* 9am Merrijig Hall, Merrijig
* 11am Tolmie Hall, Tolmie
* 1pm Sporting Complex, Mansfield
* 4pm Whitfield RSL