Urgent Threat Message Mansfield Grass Fire, 5.20pm 11/02/2009
Urgent Threat Message Mansfield Grass Fire, 5.20pm
Urgent Threat Message for the communities of Rifle Butts Road, Pollards Road, Ogilvies Road, Monkey Gully Road, Highten Road, Hilton Court and Crosbys Road to the south eastern side of Mansfield
11/02/2009
Incident Information
The Mansfield grass fire burning 5 kilometres south east of Mansfield, near Rifle Butts Road is burning in a northerly direction. The communities living on Rifle Butts Road, Pollards Road, Ogilvies Road, Monkey Gully Road, Highten Road, Hilton Court and Crosbys Road to the south eastern side of Mansfield may be directly impacted upon by this fire.
Core Advice
Residents in this area may experience smoke and burning embers reaching their properties, and are advised to patrol their houses to find and put out any burning embers that may be landing.
Protect yourself from radiant heat by wearing correct protective clothing consisting of long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy boots and a broad brimmed hat. On no account should synthetic material be worn.
As the fire front approaches, it will be unsafe to be either on foot or in a car as the heat radiating from the fire will be intense. Buildings will offer the best protection during the passage of a fire front. 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.
If you are caught on the road, don't get out and run.
Pull to the side, preferably in an area clear of tall trees and long grass.
Put your hazard lights on and close the windows and vents.
Cover any exposed areas of skin with a woollen blanket and get down as low as possible.
Only when the fire has passed do you get out and move to safety.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Residents away from home should not try to return to the area as access is limited and the roads may not be safe.
Continue to listen to ABC or local radio for updates on this fire.
Additional Information
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