North East fires update - 7.30 pm - 12 Dec 2006

This update covers the North East Alps, Mansfield and Ovens (Bright/Tawonga) fire complexes. It also includes confirmation of the loss of the Cresta Valley Lodge at Mt Buffalo. 12/12/2006

Current Fire Situation

The four fires in the north east have now burnt 165,000 ha.

All residents in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and implement their fire plans.

There are no urgent current threat messages.

North East Alpine Fire Complex

This fire has burnt approximately 132,000 ha. The fire is a concsilidation of all the fires in the Ovens and Wangaraata areas. It has now joined the Darling-Cynthia fire in Gippsland.

Communities that may come under threat include:

• Tolmie
• Merrijig
• Sawmill Settlement
• Mirimbah
• Mount Buller
• Rose River
• Upper Buckland Valley area
• Cheshunt
• Cheshunt South
• Paradise Falls area

The fire on the western edge of the North East Alps fire, 1km north of Powers Lookout is still going. DSE and CFA advise residents in the following areas that they may be threatened by and to activate fire plans:

• Whitlands
• Burders Lane
• Powers Lookout Road and
• Mansfield to Whitfield Rd

Strong winds have resulted in intense fire behaviour and spot fires near Mt Mary in the Buckland Valley.

It has been confirmed that the Cresta Valley Lodge on Mount Buffalo, formerly known as the Tatra Inn, has burnt down this morning. The lodge at Cresta Valley consisted of the Cresta Day Visitor Centre, a restaurant and a motel. No other assets on Mount Buffalo are damaged.

DSE and CFA are continuing to monitor the situation, carrying out asset protectionto ensure all other assets including the Mt Buffalo Chalet are protected.

Crews continue to strengthen good control lines around the township of Tolmie. Work is progressing today to consolidate control lines from Stockyard Link Track and Bald Hill Track into Barragunda. Backburning operations will continue today, conditions permitting.

Bright Tawonga Gap fire

The Bright-Tawonga Gap fire has burnt across 9000 ha, spreading further north overnight fanned by a south westerly wind, with fire travelling on the northern side of Tawonga Gap Road.

The fire is extremely active around Big Hill and is threatening Tawonga and Tawonga South.

DSE and CFA advise residents in the Tawonga and Tawonga South area to activate their fire plans immediately as embers may be landing around their property and that they should take all measures to put them out as they arrive.

CFA strike teams are providing protection and support to the Mount Beauty community.

A number of community meetings have been sheduled for Tuesday, 12 December. Note that the meeeting for Whorourly has been cancelled, as predicted wind changes have not occured.

Click here for list of community meetings.

Mansfield Fire Complex

The Mansfield complex is estimated to have burnt 24,000ha. This includes the Mt. Teribble fire and the Governors fire.

Residents in the Jamieson district are advised that predicted wind changes may push the Mt. Terrible fire in a northerly direction and residents may be threatened by this fire. Residents need to activate their fire plans.

Residents within the following areas need to activate their fire plans, remain vigilant and stay alert for threat messages that may be issued:

• Gaffneys Creek
• A1 Mine settlement and
• Burns Bridge
• Howqua Hills
• Sheepyard Flat
• Lower Howqua
• Mount Buller
• Kevington
• Knockwood

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,they should leave well before the fire threatens their local area.

Residents who plan to defend their homes must ensure that they are wearing the correct clothing.

Residents should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy boots, and a broad brimmed hat. On no account should synthetic material be worn.

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 are reminded that after a fire front passes, embers may continue to arrive for several hours, and should not lessen their work to protect their homes. Residents should continue to patrol their homes and check roof spaces, under-floor spaces, and areas where leaves commonly gather to ensure that nothing is burning.

Community Meetings

Click here for list of community meetings.

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