Awareness message – Maroondah/Yarra Complex Fire – Yarra- 11.30pm 12/02/2009
Awareness message – Maroondah/Yarra Complex Fire – Yarra- 11.30pm
Awareness messages for communities in the Yarra Valley
13/02/2009
Incident Information
Fires continue to burn in the vicinity of the Upper Yarra Dam and east of Big Pats Creek. Residents are advised these fires do not currently pose a threat to communities, but should remain vigilant and aware of localised change in conditions.
Fire also continues to burn in the Bunyip State Park. Residents in the Yarra Valley including communities in the vicinity of Warburton, East Warburton, Reefton, Wesburn, Millgrove, Yarra Junction, Gladysdale, Powelltown, Launching Place, Don Valley, Hoddles Creek, Woori Yallock, Yellingbo, Seville and Wandin may be experiencing increased smoke from this fire.
Controlled burning is under consideration in the Bunyip State Park area and if conditions are deemed suitable, increased smoke and controlled fire activity should be expected.
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
Tourists are advised to avoid the following areas: Communities as listed above.
Information on updated road closures is available on the VicRoads website https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
VicRoads asks people to be patient and obey road closures while this work is underway. When roads do open, they may have reduced speed limits for a period of time. Motorists are urged to obey the posted speed limits, take extreme care and avoid areas where fires have been, if possible. There may still be significant amounts of debris on the side of the road and emergency services crews using the roads.
Emergency relief centres are located at: Healesville Memorial Hall, Maroondah Highway Healesville
Resources committed to complex fire are: 65 fire trucks 200 personnel supported by multiple dozers.
Other information: The Shire of Yarra Ranges had advised Healesville Memorial Hall is not a donation collection centre, for further details please visit
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 or https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/