Awareness Message Churchill-Jeeralang Fire 1.00pm 12/02/2009
Awareness Message Churchill-Jeeralang Fire 1.00pm
Awareness for the communities of Jeeralang, Calignee and Won Wron and surrounds
12/02/2009
Incident Information
The Churchill – Jeeralang Fire is no longer posing a direct threat to the communities of Hazelwood South, Jeeralang, Jeeralang North, Jeeralang Junction, Balook, Le Roy, Jumbuck, Valley View Budgree East, Traralgon South, Callignee, Calignee North and Calignee South, Won Wron, Devon North, Yarram, Calrossie, Alberton, Tarraville, Port Albert, Langsborough, Manns Beach, Robertsons Beach, Carrajung South, Carrajung Lower and Woodside.
However residents are reminded to remain vigilant due to fire activity in the surrounding areas.
Cool weather overnight has assisted the fire fighting effort, with 5 – 15 mm of rain falling on the fire ground. There is no active fire behaviour at the moment, but crew will continue working on the fire, making good progress with the cooler weather.
The fire will still be fully resourced with approximately 305 personnel working on the fire, these fire fighters are CFA/DSE/HVP and SA fire fighters.
Good progress has been made on tracking the fire edge and constructing containment lines particularly in the Churchill/Gormondale area. Crews have completed containment lines in the Won Wron area.
The weather outlooks for the next few days are favourable for crews with cooler mild conditions.
Core Advice
People in the area need to remain alert as there may not be a warning should conditions change unexpectedly. Continue to listen to ABC or local radio for updates on this fire.
Be prepared to activate your bushfire survival plan if necessary.
Decide now if you are going to stay or go. Remember that it is very dangerous to leave late with a fire in the area. Road use in the area will be extremely hazardous due to low visibility from smoke. Watch out for fallen trees, power lines, abandoned cars, wildlife and emergency services vehicles.
If you plan to stay, remember to seek shelter from radiant heat. Should the fire reach your property, close all doors and windows and stay inside the house while the fire passes. Remain alert, extinguish any small fires and if necessary, move outside to burnt ground once the fire has passed.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Additional Information
If you have been directly affected by the Churchill – Jeerang Fire and are displaced or require basic services, please contact:
The Wellington Recovery Line on 1300 137 218
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