Tatong fire - Update 6.00pm - 19 Jan

Information on the Tatong fire.

The fire has burnt approximately 33,000 hectares.19/01/2007

Despite rain falling across the North East , CFA and DSE are reminding residents to remain alert for their safety and that areas around the fire are still considered dangerous.

Rain extended across the majority of the fire area last night has hampered fuel reduction burns.
Fuel reduction burns were planned for several areas but have been abandoned until conditions become more favourable.

However, the rain has allowed a direct attack on the fire edge to be made, as well as significant work on asset protection.

The main fire edge remains in the vicinity of Bunstons, just south of Wombat Hill.

Despite the rain, the fire threat for the weekend remains high, with hot dry winds and temperatures expected to reach the mid 30s.

There are no current threat messages.

Anyone travelling through fire affected areas should be aware of the significant risk of falling trees and dislodged rocks

Keep tuned to ABC for further updates.

Safety advice for public in the affected area:

Rain has caused the tracks and roads to be slippery, and the risk of falling trees and dislodged rocks in and around fire affected areas is significant.

Residents should be patrolling their homes and checking roof spaces, under floor spaces and areas where leaves commonly gather to ensure that nothing is burning.

Property fence lines are often damaged during a fire, therefore all persons travelling throughout the fire affected area should be aware of wandering livestock on roads

Anyone travelling through areas affected by fire should be alert to the significant risk of falling trees and dislodged rocks.

For information on road closures in the area please go to the Vic Roads website.

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 Fire Map (.jpeg format) (jpg, 1.7Mb - large file)