Information on Tatong Fire 6.30pm - 13 Jan 07

Fire crews are in readiness to conduct a major back-burn operation along the Western and Southern edges of the Tatong Fire to protect communities South of the fire and high value forest plantations. Additional resources have been deployed tonight for the operation which will only be lit if conditions are suitable. The operation will provide greater protection for communities South of the fire, including the Tolmie and Toombullop areas.

The 25 kilometre back-burn, along Tiger Hill, will increase the area burnt by the fire, and will create a lot of additional smoke.

Good progress has been made on control lines and other asset protection works including the Mt Bellview Tower, which provides vital communications for emergency services.

Fire behaviour has increased this afternoon as weather conditions deteriorated causing the fire to spot well ahead of the main front. Asset protection continues to be the primary objective, particularly in the northern part of the fire."

Ground crews have been supported by water-bombing helicopters, the Erickson Air-Crane and Sikorsky S61, which have operated from the Molyullah staging area.

The fire, which was started by lightning on Thursday afternoon, has burnt more than 13,000 hectares of forest and private property.

Community Meetings
Saturday January 13
Molyullah CFA Station, 7pm

Sunday January 14
Tolmie Hall, 9 am
Greta South Hall, 12noon

Weather
The fire is continuing to spread under the influence of a Southerly wind of 30 kph with gusts of 40 kphs. The maximum temperature today reached 30 degrees.
Tomorrow, 20 kph winds from the South are predicted with gusts of 30 kphs. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 33 degrees.

On Monday the wind direction is expected to change to the North East with temperatures in the mid 30s.

Road Closures
The following road closures currently apply.

Watchbox Creek Road at O'Dea Road
O'Dea Road at Watchbox Creek Road
Upper Ryan Creek Road at Kilfeera Road
Tiger Hill Road at Tatong
Mansfield-Whitfield Road from Egan Track to Manson's Road
Boggy Creek Road from Moyhu to Myrrhee
Mansfield-Whitfield Road from the Tatong-Tolmie Road to Whitfield
Benalla/Whitfield Rd from Kilfeera Road (Greta South) to Whitfield
Wangaratta/Whitfield Rd at Whitfield

For further information about state-wide road closures visit http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call textphone/ telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969.

Information is also available at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires
Tatong Map - Small File (jpg, 558Kb - large file)