North East Fires Update - 19 Dcc

Great Divide North Complex

The North East Alps Fire and the Gippsland Fires have been renamed the Great Divide Fire Complex. The Great Divide Fire Complex North is 279,200 hectares and extends from the King Valley, east to Mount Buffalo, south to the headwaters of the Macalister and Wonnangatta Rivers in Gippsland and west to the Jamieson area.

Mansfield Complex

Residents in the Jamieson, Kevington, Gaffneys Creek, A1 Mine Settlement, Woods Point, Matlock, Merrijig, Sawmill Settlement, Mirimbah, Howqua Hills, Sheepyard Flat and Tobacco Flat areas, where there is still considerable fire activity within the body of the fire, will need to remain vigilant and listen to local radio.

In the Merrijig Sector, a control line has been constructed between Plain Creek Track and Carters Road that protects a historic timber tramway, and back burning will occur if conditions are favourable.

At Mt Buller yesterday, crews completed the fire retardant line on the southern boundary. Asset protection around Mt Buller Alpine Village continues.

The fire has been active south of Timbertop recently. The fire crossed to the North of the Howqua River and is threatening the Tobacco Flat, Howqua Hills and Sheepyard Flat areas. Planned backburning from Three Chain Track will now not be undertaken. Fall back control lines closer to private property in the Booroolite area are being considered.

In the Stoney Creek Sector, crews are patrolling the active fire edge, while in the Jamieson/Kevington Sector, crews previously deployed to provide asset protection will be scaled back. Response arrangements will remain in place.

The Tolmie Sector is now quiet and is under local CFA brigade patrol.

Work has been undertaken today to deepen the back burning around the township of Matlock. Fire retardant has also been used as part of asset protection.

Backburning continued along Buttercup Track, crews worked today to tie in Buttercup Track with Plains Creek Track to the Delatite River. Further back burning may occur tonight, conditions permitting.

Communities should be mindful that the back burning will generate smoke and possibly embers, while the roads in the area will be carrying increased traffic, with heavy machinery and fire crews at work.

SP AusNet will today be working south of Mansfield to re-establish the power supply and a large influx of workers and vehicles to be in the area is expected.

Community meetings are scheduled for the following locations:

19th December

Merrijig Community Hall 8.00 pm

20th December

Eurobin Fire Station 11.00 am

Merrijig Community Hall 11.00 am

Mt Hotham (venue TBA) 1.00 pm

Myrtleford Senior Citizens 2.00 pm

Goughs Bay Boat Club2.00 pm

Macs Cove Recreation Reserve 3.30 pm

Jamieson Public Hall 5.00 pm

Ovens Complex

Increased fire activity on Mount Buffalo has resulted in ember attacks in the Buckland Valley and towards Eurobin. Back burning operations immediately North East of Mount Buffalo near Nug Nug were halted due to wind conditions late yesterday and overnight.

Five bulldozers are working at the upper end of the Buckland Valley developing a break along the edge of private property, which will provide a containment line in the northern part of the Buckland Valley division.

Further Information

For information reguarding community meetings please click here

Boil Water Notice:

A boil water notice is in effect until further notice for residents in the Mt Beauty, Tawonga, Tawonga South, Whitfield, Harrietville and Simmonds Creek areas.

Residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute before drinking to prevent illness.

Road Closures

For full details on road closures in the North East visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety, please contact the 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/firesor www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Residents on Alert for Water Contamination

Bushfires have a number of impacts on local communities including the impact on the quality of water and people’s health. With the possibility of rain expected towards the end of the week, Council is urging residents who have rainwater tanks to temporarily disconnect their down pipes or utilise rainwater diversion devices if installed.

By disconnecting the down pipes with the first rain, this will ensure that ash and debris from the bushfire that has fallen onto your roof has been washed off. Depending on the rain fall received and the amount of ash and debris on your roof, pipes can then be reconnected.

Ash and debris could also be washed into dams, creeks and streams. An easy way to avoid this is to use hay bales or shade cloth as a filter where the water flows into these areas. This will reduce the amount of ash and debris entering the water and prevent further contamination problems.

For further information regarding water contamination, please contact the Wangaratta Rural City Council’s Community Development Team Leader, Louise Hazelton, on 5722 0888.

Fire update meetings in RCoW

Fire Ready Victoria Community Meetings within the Municipality: WANGARATTA RURAL CITY COUNCIL
Township	Meeting	Day & Date	Time	Venue Details	Other Details	Enquiries
CARBOOR	Community Meeting (public)	Monday 11 Dec 2006	10.00AM-11.00AM	Carboor Public Hall - Carboor-Everton Rd, CARBOOR	Residents under threat should stay with their homes	1800 240 667
MYRRHEE	Community Meeting (public)	Monday 11 Dec 2006	2.00PM-3.00PM	Myrhee Hall - Myrrhee Hall rd, MYRRHEE	residents under threat should stay with their homes	1800 240 667
WANGARATTA SOUTH	Community Meeting (public)	Friday 15 Dec 2006	8.00PM-9.30PM	South Wangaratta Fire Station - Cnr Shanley St & Warby Range Rd, WANGARATTA SOUTH	Residents of Gravel Pit Rd, Omaru Rd and Taminick Gap Rd are encouraged to attend	03 5833 2400
WHITFIELD	Community Meeting (public)	Tuesday 12 Dec 2006	11.00AM-12.00PM	Whitfield RSL - RSL hall Rd, WHITFIELD	Residents under direct threat are advised not to attend	1800 240 667
*WHOROULY Cancelled	Community Meeting (public)	Tuesday 12 Dec 2006	10.00AM-11.00AM	Whourouly Recreation Reserve Centre - Church Street, WHOROULY	Residents under direct threat should stay with their homes	1800 240 667

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North East Alpine fires update - 8.40pm - 08/12/2006

Update on Ovens Valley, Mansfield and Wangaratta (King Valley) fire complexes. 08/12/2006

Current Fire Situation

Ovens Fire Complex (former Black Range Fire)

Several NSW Rural Fire Service strike teams are assisting in this fire area tonight. This fire is continuing to burn and has now joined to the former Rose River fire. Work crews have back burned along the south western perimeter to protect the area east of Whitfield and Cheshunt. There will be significant backburning in the Edi Upper Buffalo Road area tonight. CFA is continuing to monitor the area of the Hancocks pines towards Gentle Annie Gap.

The Rose River fire has now joined with the former Black Range fire and Upper Rose River fire across to the Abbeyard area. The Rose River road is closed and CFA is currently assisting residents in this area with asset protection.

King Valley Fire Complex (former West King fire)
This fire has now joined with the former Lake William Hovell and Typo fires and is causing concern on two fronts. It is currently being contained at the Mansfield Whitfield Road. This fire front is being jointly attacked by CFA and DSE crews. Residents in this area have been informed about a possible threat to properties.

Paradise Falls fire

At Paradise Falls asset protection works are underway to protect wooden bridges which provide the only access for vehicles into this area. On the north eastern front of this fire the Paradise Falls Road and Swinburns Lane communities are currently being threatened and some properties have been impacted however the expected north easterly this afternoon may improve the situation.

The high voltage power transmission lines between (Dederang and Melbourne) may have to be shut down due to fire and smoke activity. The power is still available to homes at this time as it has been redirected via other lines. Residents should be aware that loss of power to homes is a common occurrence in bushfires.

Pizzini Fire and Loombah Fires
This fire remains contained within control lines.

Former Mt Typo and Lake William Hovell fires

These fires have now joined with the West King fire and the north easterly front is threatening properties along the Upper Rose River Road. Spot fires in the Pines near Typo Station are currently being attended by fire crews.

Powers Lookout
Assets being protected in this area include the vital communications towers.

Key Safety Messages

Residents in these areas are advised that embers may be landing around their property and 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 right clothing. Residents should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy boots and a broad rimmed hat. Synthetic material should not be worn.

As the fire front 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 home to shelter as the fire front passes.

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

Wangaratta (King Valley) fire complex update - 7 Dec

Approximately 68,000 hectares burned

Eight going fires are threatening private property in the King Valley, Whitfield and Cheshunt areas. Residents in the areas surrounding this fire complex need to remain vigilant and are advised to activate their fire plans.

The Black Range, Mt Typo, Lake William Hovell East and Rose River fires have combined. Crews are continuing to assist residents in these areas with asset protection. Back burning operations to the east of the Cheshunt and Whitfield townships were undertaken Wednesday night. The West King sector of the fire has crossed McDonalds spur but has yet to cross the Mansfield Whitfield Road.

The Loombah fire is currently contained at approximately 200 ha and the Pizzini fire is currently contained at 500 hectares.

Residents in areas threatened by this fire can expect smoke and burning embers to reach their property, and are advised to patrol their houses to find and put out any burning embers that may be landing. Residents should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy boots and a broad brimmed hat. Synthetic material should not be worn.

As the fire front 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.

Road Closures

The following roads around the affected areas have been closed:

• All roads south of Moyhu.
• Whitfield Road and Kilfeera Road at Greta South.
• Myrtleford Whitfield Road between Nug Nug and Whitfield
• Mansfield Whitfield Road at Tolmie

CFA Urgent Threat - Mansfield - King Valley - Tolmie

Urgent Threat message - Mansfield Complex 12.20 pm

Urgent threat message for residents around Burns Bridge to Knockwood, fire moving towards containment lines - 06/12/2006

DSE and CFA advise residents along the Woods Point Road from Burns Bridge to Knockwood area that a fire is moving towards containment lines and they may be threatened by this fire over the next 24 hours. These residents are advised to activate their fire plans immediately.

A containment line is in place between the fire and private property. Asset protection is our highest priority and DSE and CFA will actively defend properties as much as possible as the fire approaches the containment line. No backburning will occur.

Residents in this area are advised that embers may be landing around their property soon and 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 right clothing. Residents should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy boats and a broad rimmed hat.Synthetic material should not be worn.

As the fire front 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 home to shelter as the fire front passes.

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

Important incident information Urgent Threat Message - Wangaratta - King Valley 11.40am

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Wangaratta - King Valley - 06/12/2006 - 11.40am

Residents in the Edi Upper District along the Edi Blackrange Road are advised that there is fire activity approximately 1 km from the road.

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Tolmie and Gears Hill 11.40am - 06/12/2006

DSE and CFA advise residents of Tolmie and the Gears Hill area near Cambatong Road, Shane Lane and Faithfulls Raod that they should prepare for the possibility of ember attack, thick smoke and fire.

CFA - West King update - 6 Dec 06

CFA and DSE advise residents in the area Tolmie and Gears Hill near Cambatong Road, Shane Lane and Faithfulls Road that they should prepare for the possibility of ember attack, thick smoke and fire.

Residents in this area are advised that embers may be landing around their property soon and 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 right clothing. Residents should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy boots and a broad brimmed hat. Synthetic materials should not be worn.

As the fire front 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 home to shelter as the fire front passes.

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

Call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line with any questions 1800 240 667

CFA report - Upper Edi District Fire - 5 Dec

Fire along the Edi Blackrange Road

Residents in the Edi Upper District along the Edi Blackrange Road (Wangaratta Complex) are advised that there is fire activity approx. 1 km from the road. Residents have been advised to activate their bushfire plans.

Residents in the Cheshunt, Cheshunt South, Paradise Falls, Swinburn Lane and Hardys Lane areas are advised that changing weather conditions may cause fires in the area to threaten private property. Residents are advised to activate their fire plans and make the decision early whether or not they are going to stay and defend their home or leave safely.

Ember Message

Those residents in this area should expect smoke and burning embers to reach their property, and are advised to patrol their houses to find and put out any burning embers that may be landing.

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.

Residents are advised that the fire will soon change the direction that it is moving, and that new areas may come under threat. Residents in Cheshunt, Cheshunt South, Paradise Falls, Swinburn Lane and Hardys Lane areas should expect embers to be landing around their homes soon, and should take all measures to put them out as they arrive.

Residents should expect that embers from this fire 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.

Protective Clothing

Message Residents should 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.

Radiant Heat

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.

As the wind change gets closer the wind will become more unpredictable, and may gust strongly. All residents should take extreme care that they are not exposed to radiant heat at this time, and that a sudden change in wind speed or direction does not catch them in the open.

For further information, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or Check the DSE Website http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires

Whitfield becomes bushfire staging area

CFA firefighters have spent their second night fighting bushfires surrounding the upper King Valley,

The fires began with a dry lightning event late Friday afternoon, eight hours after the Great Victorian Bike ride left Whitfield.

Fires in the Black Range at Edi Upper, Hardy's Lane and the right arm of the King River above Cheshunt were attended by local brigades.

By Saturday morning, the Hardy's Lane fire had been controlled but another, more serious fire had broken out above Pizzini's vineyard. Inaccessability to the Black Range and the West King River fires allowed them to grow in size requiring a staging area to be established at Whitfield.

Throughout the day, strike teams from as far away as Shepparton and the border area arrived and were deployed at these three fires.

Local guides have been placed with each strike team and a road block has been set up at Whitfield to control traffic in the fire ground area.

Late Saturday night, a fire at Upper Rose river was added to the portfolio.