Awareness Message – Beechworth Area Fire 3.30 pm 13/02/2009
Awareness Message – Beechworth Area Fire 3.30 pm
Awareness Message – Beechworth Area Fire – Smoke from backburning operations
13/02/2009
Incident Information
The Beechworth Fire is currently burning within containment lines in the Beechworth, Myrtleford and Stanley areas. Currently 85 per cent (220 kilometres) of the edge of the fire is within containment lines.
Residents from these areas need to be aware that there is still some fire activity in isolated pockets of steep and rugged terrain. These pockets are well within the containment line and no communities are currently under threat.
Dryer weather conditions this afternoon are helping fire fighters contain the fire and progress the delays caused by yesterdays light rain.
A significant amount of backburning is currently being carried out and will continue well into tonight. The smoke that can be seen by surrounding communities is mainly caused by yesterday's rain which dampened the fire fuels and causes more smoke than usual. Residents can rest assured that this smoke is from control burn operations that are helping to secure the fire edge and strengthen containment lines.
The Erickson Skycrane will remain in the area for the next few days. The fire planning team expects most of the fire area to be well secured by the end of the weekend.
Any change to the current fire situation will be immediately communicated on ABC radio.
Core Advice
There may be increased amounts of smoke in the area from this fire.
Road users are advised to take extra care as road travel may be hazardous due to low visibility from smoke.
Even though this fire does not currently pose a threat, people in high risk bushfire areas are reminded to have a bushfire survival plan ready to implement during the summer period.
Continue to listen to ABC or local radio for updates on this fire.
Additional Information
Emergency relief centres are located at: Alpine Shire: Senior Citizens Centre, Smith Street, Myrtleford.
Road closures currently in place: For up to date information please visit the VicRoads website https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Community meetings:
Friday 13 February 2009 Kergunyah/Kiewa area meeting: 7.30pm, Kergunyah Hall, Reid Lane, Kergunyah;
Saturday 14 February 2009 Porepunkah/Bright area meeting: midday, Porepunkah Hall, Martley Street, Porepunkah; and Myrtleford area meeting: 3.00pm, Savoy Club, Great Alpine Rd, Myrtleford.
Sunday 15 February 2009 Tawonga/Mt Beauty area meeting: midday Tawonga Hall, Kiewa Valley Highwa
For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety advice, 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