Awareness Message – Kinglake Complex Fires 1.45 pm 13/02/2009
Awareness Message – Kinglake Complex Fires 1.45 pm
Awareness Message –
13/02/2009
Incident Information
A controlled burn is under consideration to secure the southern edge of the Kinglake Fire Complex. CFA and DSE propose to conduct a low intensity fuel reduction burn today, Friday 13th February 2009. The proposed burn will occur sometime after 4.00pm, dependent on weather conditions.
The 100 hectare burn is planned for south west of Coombs Road in Kinglake West. Bulldozers and fire crews are currently constructing containment lines around the burn area .
Fire crews and burn plan experts will burn small sections at a time on a strip of land, that if not managed by fuel reduction may present a significant risk of fire to those communities and water catchments south of the burn area under the forecasted weather and wind conditions for the coming week.
There has already been spotting in the area and the reduction of the fuel will lower the risk of further spotting which may become difficult to control.
Smoke from this burn may be visible visible North East of Yan Yean Resevoir and in the south around Buttermans Track.
Incident Controller David Hoadley said ” low intensity controlled burning reduces fuel and inhibits fire intensity. He also reminded people that even though the conditions have moderated the public in these areas need to remain vigilant to fire activity and continue to monitor ABC 774 for fire updates”.
Our fire crews continue to patrol and black out and respond to flare ups with dozer work continuing on containment lines along the south west edge.
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
Road closures currently in place:
Access to these areas is still restricted and the public can find current information regarding road closures at wwww.vicroads.vic.gov.au
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