URGENT THREAT MESSAGE FOR RESIDENTS IN THE WHITLANDS AREA - 4:00PM

Warning for residents of Whitlands, Burder's Lane, Powers Lookout Road, and Mansfield to Whitfield Road. 11/12/2006

DSE and CFA advise residents in the Whitlands, Burders Lane, Powers Lookout Road, and Mansfield to Whitfield Road and they may be threatened by this fire. These residents are advised to activate their fire plans immediately.

This fire has the potential to cause spot fires, and ember attack. Residents in this area are advised that embers may be landing around their property soon and that 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 correct protective 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 in as the fire front passes.

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

Keep a portable radio with batteries handy in case of power failure.