News
Severe Fire Weather Friday
DSE and CFA are reminding communities in the areas in the Maroondah and Yarra areas to activate their bushfire survival plans as another day of severe weather moves into Victoria tomorrow (Friday 27 February 2009).
The Bureau of Meteorology are predicting conditions to be extremely hot, dry and windy with Temperatures in the mid to high 30’s, with strong northeast to north-westerly winds of up to 40 km/hr.
An expected wind change is due to move into the Maroondah and Yarra area later in the evening, causing winds to change to a south to south-westerly direction. This will cause an increase in wind strength for up to 3 hours around the time of the change.
Additional resources are being deployed to the area in preparation for any communities that may come under threat from any fires. Currently there are approximately 450 firefighters working in the area to strengthen control lines and ensure the fire perimeter is contained.
Woori Yallock Incident Controller Mr David Nugent said; “Although crews are working hard to strengthen control lines on the fire in preparation for Friday, the community as a whole need to remain vigilant, activate their bushfire survival plans and understand this fire could still pose a very real threat to the community.”
“The community also need to be aware that new fires could start at any stage during the fire danger season, especially on days such as Friday,” Mr Nugent said.
If you see new fires in the area please call Triple 0 (000).
By having and activating your bushfire survival plan and making the decision whether you will stay or go on a day of high fire danger is your best protection in the event of a fire.
If you choose to go, you need to go early, early Friday morning, if you see flames it too late.
For further information on bushfire survival plans, information on fires in your area or to get information on current total fire bans visit the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on 1800 240 667.