Fires in Vic High Country

From DSE

Statewide Update Saturday 2 December 2006, 0930hrs
Significant lightning activity across Victoria started numerous fires on Friday 1 December. Fires are currently burning on public land in the Jamieson – Wood Point, Whitfield, Mt Buller, Bright, Tallangatta and Chestnut areas.

Incident Management Centres have been established in the North East and Gippsland to manage the fires.

Water-bombing aircraft are being used effectively to support ground crews as they attempt to construct control-lines around the fire perimeters.

Firefighters are continuing to work today to limit the fires’ spread as much as possible. Reconnaissance flights are currently being flown to identify any new fires. The fires are burning in State Forest/NP and are not at this stage threatening private assets.

The fires are all in remote areas of state forest or National Park, with most being located in the Alpine National Park north of Licola and Dargo.

The majority of the fires are currently less than five hectares in size, and there is no threats private property at this stage.

*****Visitors and local residents are advised to avoid the Wonnangatta Valley, the Grant Historic area and Butcher Country. Anyone planning to travel north of Licola or anywhere in the Alpine National Park is advised to contact the VBIL on 1800 240 667 or the nearest DSE/ Parks Victoria office for up-to-date fire information.*******