Community Newsletter Far South-West Complex Fires December 2019 Saturday, 28 December 2019

Information About the Fires

From multiple lightning strikes on Friday 20 December Millards Track @ Lake remains the primary focus. Fire crews have worked to reinforce containment lines over the last couple of days in preparation for an increase in fire danger over the weekend.

Advice messages are also in place for the following fires: ➢ Crawford River/Boulevard @ Hotspur ➢ Casterton/Nangeela SF – Tullich, ➢ Wrights Swamp/Mt Deception – Cobboboonee, ➢ Weecurra – Digby Strathdownie.

These fires are contained with crews continuing to black out and patrol.

The number of fire-fighting personnel and resources working across the Far South West fires include: ▪ 250 fire fighters & 50 management/ support personnel, ▪ 5 tankers and 60 firefighting vehicles ▪ 17 dozers & 4 aircraft

Weather Information Mostly sunny and hot over the weekend (35°C) with light winds predominantly from the southeast. Monday 30 December sees a spike in the fire danger rating with hot Due to fire, the following areas in the northern section of to very hot temperatures (40°C), northerly winds and an Cobboboonee National Park are CLOSED: Jackass Fern Gully afternoon cool change and chance of a thunderstorm. campground; Wrights campground; Fitzroy Hike-in camping area; and Great South West Walk between Cobboboonee Road and Heath Road.

Protect your health BESSIEBELLE – MACARTHUR Smoke can affect people's health. Anyone experiencing wheezing, COMMUNITY MEETING chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000). People with existing heart or lung conditions (including asthma) should follow the treatment plan advised by the doctor. Sunday 29 December, 11am Bushfire smoke and soot can contaminate tank water. It is your responsibility to take preventative action by ensuring your tank is BESSIEBELLE Hall properly sealed and disconnected from downpipes until your roof is Woolsthorpe-Heywood Rd clear of ash. For more information visit www2.health.vic.gov.au, and search ‘water tank safety’.

If you need medical advice call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 (this

is a phone service that allows you to discuss health related issue with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost Parks Closures & Restricted Access of a local call from anywhere in ).

Stay informed Parks, forests and campgrounds may close for visitor Download the VicEmergency App, go to www.emergency.vic.gov.au, safety on days of high fire risk or due to nearby fires. or call the VicEmergency Hotline - 1800 226 226 to stay informed These may be closed at short notice. For current closure about warnings and advice. information, please visit the Parks Victoria website (https://www.parks.vic.gov.au To access this information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication National Park is CLOSED Monday 30 impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask December. them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.

All campers and visitors must vacate the Budj Bim Useful Local information National Park on Sunday 29 December (afternoon). ABC Radio Portland 96.9 FM; ABC Radio Western Victoria 94.1 FM; MIXX FM Portland; 93.7 FM; 3HA Radio 981 AM or 92.9 FM

Crawford River Regional Park is CLOSED due to fire. Glenelg Shire Council 1300GLENELG (1300 453 635) Casterton: 03 Access to the surrounding area may be restricted due to fire- 5554 2444 Heywood: 03 5527 0666 Portland: 03 5522 2200 fighting activity Wildlife Rescue – emergency (03) 8400 7300; Powercor – 13 22 06