Tatong fire update & map - 7.00 pm - 17 Jan

This fire has continued to spread and is now in excess of 27,000 hectares. Temperature in the area remains high. The fire has made several runs to the south but the remainder of the fire is within containment lines.

Reduced fire behaviour today has allowed fire crews to complete several containment lines around the Tatong fire today ahead of extreme fire conditions expected later this week. The main fire line is now as far south as Bunstons just below Wombat Hill and is bordered to the south west along Spring Creek Road and Lowes Lane to the head of Sawpit Gully Road. The numerous spot fires reported earlier south of the main fire have now been contained or overtaken by the fire front. Fire remains active in the vicinity of Spring Creek and to the south of the Burders Lane and the Bunstons area.

Crews have completed control lines along the west and south eastern edges of the fire today, and the 20km strategic fall back control line along Long Lane to the south of the fire has been completed to the Midland Highway.

Overnight, fire crews are planning on burning out the 300 - 400 hectares that remain unburnt under the high voltage transmission lines that were affected by fire yesterday.

Good progress has been made with patrolling and blacking out in the northern areas of Watchbox, Boggy Creek and Whitlands, where fire remains subdued. Patrolling and blacking out is continuing in the western regions of the fire, and containment lines are holding in the south west.

Although the fire behaviour has been less active today, residents should still be aware of the possibility of fire activity and smoke in their area. Weather predictions for later in the week are for high temperatures over 40 degrees and possible thunderstorms.

Property Loss

Inspections today have identified property losses including 5 houses and 20 out buildings/sheds. In addition, the number of confirmed livestock lost is around seventy and includes deer, cattle and a significant number of poultry.

Threat Messages

There are no threat messages in place at this time.

Power Supply - Alternative Sources

As demonstrated yesterday with the power outages caused by the fires which are burning in proximity of major power lines, residents relying solely on electricity for pumps and other essential equipment are urged to consider alternative sources in case of possible cuts to power supply.

Road Closures

For road closures in the area please visit the VicRoads website.

For further information on the current fire situation listen to your local ABC radio and for bushfire information and safety advice contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or visit the DSE website.

Map of Tatong fire area (jpg, 841Kb - large file)