Community Newsletter Resources on the fires:

• More than 500 firefighters Tambo Area Fires • 100 Incident Management staff 23-24 December 2019 • 80 ground and base camps support staff Community Meetings • 270 firefighting trucks and vehicles • 11 aircraft and 100 heavy machines

Monday December 23:

• Ensay: 12 pm, The Ensay Hall Road closures: • Swifts Creek: 4 pm, the Swifts Creek Hall • A drop in centre will also be open at The is closed between Bruthen Tambo Crossing, 10 am, ‘The Rock’ and Ensay and will remain closed until further notice as works are being conducted on both sides of the Tuesday December 24 Road. Keep an eye on the Vic Traffic website for any • : 10am, the Omeo Memorial Hall changes. https://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/ Information about the fires: If you’re leaving from the Ensay area- The Great The Marthvale-Barmouth Spur fire has joined the Alpine road is still open to travel north towards Burthern -Six Mile fire which was contained last week, Omeo. and in doing so has impacted a six kilometre section of the Great Alpine Road. Continued fire activity is present throughout the landscape and many tracks in the surrounding area There are small areas of uncontained active fire on the are closed. Avoid entering forested areas north of north eastern flank of the fire to the south and east of as fire situations may change rapidly. Brookville, and to the west, south and east of Tambo

Crossing. Livestock Relief: On the south western flank, back burning is being conducted along roads to contain the spread. This has Omeo, Ensay, Bairnsdale and Benambra stock yards been completed along Engineers Rd, and is are open. progressing to the west along Sisters Rd, and north • Bairnsdale contact: Mal Leys 0417 707 540 along Baldhead Road. • Omeo contact: David Hill 0417 538 220

To the east, a back burn is being conducted along Buchan Caves Kenny’s Track to join the Ensay – Ferntree fire with the Bruthen - Six Mile. Buchan Caves are open for business from 22/12/19. A Watch and Act is still current for Tambo Crossing.

The W Tree-Yalmy fire became active adjacent to the Travellers stay informed private property in W Tree today, and a Watch and Act was issued. This has now been downgraded to an For those of you travelling through Gippsland heading Advice message due to reduced fire behaviour up the coast or inland to New South Wales it is overnight. To the west of the Snowy River, the fire has important that you stay informed about the NSW fires progressed northerly toward the Deddick Track. To as your travels may be impacted. You can do so by the east and south, the fire spread has been limited in downloading the ‘Fires Near Me NSW’ app. the area burnt during the 2014 fire.

Fire Current Size Marthavale-Barmouth 51,884ha Spur inclusive of Bruthen-Six Mile Track (contained) Ensay Ferntree Creek 20,025ha W tree -Yalmy 27,678ha

Ash and Water Tanks:

If you live in a bushfire affected area and use a private might think of this as becoming mentally fit and water source such as a water tank, your water supply prepared. may become contaminated with debris, ash, soot, fire retardant or dead animals. It’s also a good time to check on your family and friends. You can ask how they are doing, if they feel The most effective way to prevent contamination of ok, and if they have a plan for when conditions worsen. your water tank is to make sure it is properly sealed and to disconnect the downpipes. People find it helpful to know that family and friends are thinking of them and talking and providing support Water drawn from deep bores or wells should still be can be beneficial. For how to emotionally prepare visit safe to use. the www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au online. Additionally, if at any time you are worried about the mental health of If the water from your rainwater tank tastes, looks or yourself or a loved one, call Lifeline 13 11 14. smells unusual, don’t use it for drinking, bathing or for pets. Understanding Warnings If you suspect contamination, use an alternative water supply for drinking and food preparation. Contact your You should never wait to receive an official warning local council for a list of water carting contractors. before you leave. Fires can start quickly and threaten homes and lives within minutes. Warnings are issued Air Quality and Bushfire Smoke when a fire has started and you need to take action. Make sure you understand the three levels of warnings Air quality in parts of Eastern continues to be and what they mean. affected. Follow the latest updates on Air Watch - https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/airwatch The three levels of warnings are:

Hazardous Air Quality Swifts Creek-Tambo Valley

EPA has conducted Air quality tests in Swifts Creek the following advice has been given by the EPA. • Everyone should minimise the time spent in smoky conditions whenever practical to do so • Hazardous air quality could lead to: -Serious aggravation of health effects in people over 65, children 14 years and younger, pregnant women and those with existing heart or lung conditions -Serious increase in respiratory and other effects may be observed in everyone else and many people might have symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath. (Please see Tip sheet attached) Don't expect warnings to be issued in any particular General Practitioner Services, Omeo order. The first warning you could get could be an Emergency Warning A General Practitioner will be available for residents at the Omeo Hospital for the coming three weeks. Bairnsdale Incident Control Centre

Living with bushfires in your areas Public information Unit Enquiries

Living with bushfires burning in your local area can be Phone (03) 5152 0488 stressful and people may experience feelings of worry, concern or anxiety.

These thoughts and feelings might be stronger if you’ve experienced bushfires previously. It is also important that you prepare yourself emotionally. You