North East fires - Current situation 11 Dec

Current Fire Situation

Fire intensity has lessened a little with nightfall, however areas of intense and erratic fire behaviour are being reported as south west winds influence fire areas.

A number of urgent threat messages have been issued to communities throughout the region.

All residents in affected areas are advised to implement their fire plans immediately.

North East Alpine Fire Complex

The North East Alpine fire has travelled up the western side of Mount Buffalo and is spotting over the Buckland Valley. Most fire activity has been burning within existing containment lines.

The estimated area burnt is approximately 132,000 ha.

DSE and CFA resources are continuing to focus on asset protection in the Buckland Valley, Mount Buffalo and Lake Buffalo.

Lake Buffalo/Whitfield Road containment line is holding well and will continue to be monitored.

Communities that may come under threat include:

• Howqua Hills near Sheepyard Flat
• Jamison
• Tolmie
• Merrijig
• Sawmill Settlement
• Mirimbah
• Mount Buller
• Kevington
• Gaffneys Creek
• A1 Mine Settlement
• Knockwood
• Burder's Lane
• Rose River
• Upper Buckland Valley area
• Cheshunt
• Cheshunt South (specifically the Burrowes Lane, Christopher's Road, Upper King River Road areas)
• Paradise Falls areas (particularly Swinburnes Lane, Paradise Falls Road, Rose River Road west of Gentle Annie, the Edi Upper to Cheshunt Road, the Upper King River Road, Ryans Lane, Christophers Lane and Hardy's Lane)

CFA strike teams are providing protection and support to the Woods Point and Mount Beauty communities and will stay to assist residents to implement their fire safety plans.

Bright Tawonga Gap fire

The Bright-Tawonga Gap fire has now burnt more than 5000 ha and spread quickly in a south-easterly direction despite burning through land burnt in the 2003 fires. Fire crews are considering backburning operations in an effort to contain this fire.

Mansfield Fire Complex

The Mnasfield complex of fire is estimated to have burnt 24,000 ha. This includes the Mt Teribble fire and the Governors fire. Fire activity in this area is intense with strong winds spreading the fire in a south easterly direction.

The North East Alps fire has jumped containment lines east of Tolmie and may threaten residents following a south westerly wind change expected this afternoon.

The Mount Terrible fire has also jumped containment lines north of Gaffneys Creek.

Threat messages have been issued for several communities including Gaffneys Creek, A1 Mine Settlement, Merrjig to Mirimbah (including Sawmill Settlement). Ember attack is expected in this area and residents should take appropriate action.

The fires also continue to threaten the communities of Mount Buller, Kevington and Knockwood.

Alpine National Park Closures

The Alpine National Park has been closed west of the Omeo Highway (between Omeo and Mitta Mitta) and west of the Great Alpine Road (between Omeo and Bairnsdale). This closure includes Mount Bogong, Bogong High Plains, Dargo High Plains and Mount Feathertop.

Key Safety Messages

People who intend to stay need to ensure that they:

• Are physically and mentally prepared to defend their home;
• Have a comprehensive plan, reliable water supply and fire fighting equipment;
• Have adequate cleared space around their house;
• If residents do not have these things in place, given the expected extreme fire conditions, they should leave well before the fire threatens their local area.

As the front of the fire 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 homes to shelter as the fire front passes. Residents should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy boots and a broad brimmed hat. On no account should synthetic material be worn.

Community Meetings

Click here for list of community meetings.

School Closures

• Myrrhee Primary School
• Whitfield District Primary School
• Edi Upper Primary School
• Merrijig Primary School
• Jamieson Primary School

Community Relief Centres

Community relief centres have been set up at the following locations where accomodation and food will be available:

• Bright Community Centre
• Harrietville Community Hall
• Mansfield Community Centre
• Mount Beauty Community Centre
• Moyhu Memorial Hall