North East Alpine fires update - 8.40pm - 08/12/2006

Update on Ovens Valley, Mansfield and Wangaratta (King Valley) fire complexes. 08/12/2006

Current Fire Situation

Ovens Fire Complex (former Black Range Fire)

Several NSW Rural Fire Service strike teams are assisting in this fire area tonight. This fire is continuing to burn and has now joined to the former Rose River fire. Work crews have back burned along the south western perimeter to protect the area east of Whitfield and Cheshunt. There will be significant backburning in the Edi Upper Buffalo Road area tonight. CFA is continuing to monitor the area of the Hancocks pines towards Gentle Annie Gap.

The Rose River fire has now joined with the former Black Range fire and Upper Rose River fire across to the Abbeyard area. The Rose River road is closed and CFA is currently assisting residents in this area with asset protection.

King Valley Fire Complex (former West King fire)
This fire has now joined with the former Lake William Hovell and Typo fires and is causing concern on two fronts. It is currently being contained at the Mansfield Whitfield Road. This fire front is being jointly attacked by CFA and DSE crews. Residents in this area have been informed about a possible threat to properties.

Paradise Falls fire

At Paradise Falls asset protection works are underway to protect wooden bridges which provide the only access for vehicles into this area. On the north eastern front of this fire the Paradise Falls Road and Swinburns Lane communities are currently being threatened and some properties have been impacted however the expected north easterly this afternoon may improve the situation.

The high voltage power transmission lines between (Dederang and Melbourne) may have to be shut down due to fire and smoke activity. The power is still available to homes at this time as it has been redirected via other lines. Residents should be aware that loss of power to homes is a common occurrence in bushfires.

Pizzini Fire and Loombah Fires
This fire remains contained within control lines.

Former Mt Typo and Lake William Hovell fires

These fires have now joined with the West King fire and the north easterly front is threatening properties along the Upper Rose River Road. Spot fires in the Pines near Typo Station are currently being attended by fire crews.

Powers Lookout
Assets being protected in this area include the vital communications towers.

Key Safety Messages

Residents in these areas are advised that embers may be landing around their property and they should take all measures to put them out as they arrive.

It is important that all residents protect themselves from radiant heat by wearing the right clothing. Residents should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy boots and a broad rimmed hat. Synthetic material should not be worn.

As the fire front approaches it will become unsafe to be either on foot or in a car as the heat radiating from the fire will be intense. Residents should avoid being exposed to radiant heat at all costs, and should make use of structures like their home to shelter as the fire front passes.

After the fire front has passed, residents should immediately begin to patrol their house for embers or areas that are burning and extinguish them as best they can.