WIT.002.002.0108

DEPARTMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT

Fire Information Chronology - 7 February 2009 00:00 to 24:00

DISCLAIMER

All efforts have been made to present accurate information within this chronology. However due to the magnitude of the fires, information may be missing, incorrect or outdated. The data contained in this document has been obtained from the most appropriate sources.

This document includes: 1. Fire Information Releases 2. Joint/Media Releases 3. External Web Updates 4. Radio broadcasts from ABC 774, FOX FM, MIX FM, Nova 100.3 5. Fire Behaviour Estimates 6. Total Fire Ban Notification 7. Joint State Situation Reports 8. Incident Management Logbook entries from: Ewan Waller, Alen Slijepcevic, DSE State Duty Officers, State Spokerperson and Bureau of Meteorology 9. Initial Fire Reports 10. iECC Briefing 11. State fire and resources snapshots 12. CenITex Notifications 13. Telstra Notifications 14. VBIL Updates 15. Planning and State Duty Officer Handover Notes 16. IRIS resources

This document does not include: 1. Logbooks not mentioned above such as: Incident Controller, Fire Behaviour Analyst, State Aircraft Unit, iECC Planning, all regional logs. 2. Television interviews or general fire notifications 3. Regional radio 4. Fire Weather Teleconference minutes 5. Bushfire Information and Significant Incident report (BISI) as it did not occur 6. Fire and Emergency Coordination report as it did not occur 7. Forest Fire Awareness Report as it only occurs once a week

This document is a factual representation of records that were generated during the fires and the information has not been altered in any way.

Legend: Red text indicates an initial fire report.

Blue text indicates the snapshots of the State’s fire and resource status.

Green text indicates the first notification of a new fire that DSE gave to the public. Note: All initial fire reports, when entered into Fireweb, are simultaneously uploaded onto DSE’s external website and forms one of the ways DSE first notifies the public of a new fire. There may be a delay between when the iECC receives the initial fire report from the field and when it is uploaded onto Fireweb. WIT.002.002.0109 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Fire Information Chronology 7 February 2009 ANNEXURE 47 to revised statement of Ewan Waller 8 May 2009 Nicole O'Donnell 5-May-09 7th February 2009 documents One version of each document

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.HDD.0006.1996 07-Feb-09 0000 Statewide Resource Availability and Map. Shows where preformed IMTs were in place across the state. Also where pre-positioned taskforces were located. DSE.CD01.0023.0021 DSE.HDD.0006.1997 DSE.HDD.0012.0795

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0000 ABC Broadcasts. ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC Reporter: Dash Lawrence. Today, Total Fire Ban across the state of Victoria. CFA reminds public - now is the time to implement their bushfire plan. BoM issued a severe weather warning for tomorrow.

ABC reporter: Dash Lawrence Approximate size of fire 152ha. Large crews in attendance, expected to be contained tonight, may still post a threat to nearby communities on Saturday. Labertouche and Tonimbuk should prepare themselves. Jindivick, Bunyip, Drouin West and Longwarry should also prepare for falling embers and fire. People in smoke affected areas should slow down. Visitors are advised to avoid Bunyip State Park and Kurth Kiln Regional Park. This fire is expected to disrupt train and coach services tomorrow. Monitor DSE and CFA websites for fire information. Total Fire Ban for NSW tomorrow.

ABC reporter: Dash Lawrence Fire is going, 30km NNW Dargo in State Forest. High risk of spreading. Fire area approximately 30ha.

ABC reporter: Dash Lawrence Grass fire has been contained, will continue to be monitored throughout the night. No communities are threatened at present. DSE.0018.0121.0125 07-Feb-09 0138 State Duty Officer, Dennis Ward, Incident Management Logbook Entry. CFA have not planned for the SW change. Looking to plan for this early. CFA will assume control of fire when fires hits interface. 2 Chiefs will need to agree on this process as swapping control at critical time is dangerous. Community messaging continuing with ICC and iECC working together.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0255 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Phillipa Marr. Unprecedented bushfire conditions expected this weekend in southern states. Containment lines of Bunyip fire are being strengthened. Size of this fire is approximately 150ha. Blaze could threaten nearby townships.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0300 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC Reporter: Dash Lawrence. Work continuing on fire in Bunyip State Park. Fire is 152ha and is 5km N of Tonimbuk. DSE and CFA are warning residents in Labertouche that they are likely to be impacted by fire later today. Jindivick, Drouin, Drouin West, Longwarry, Longwarry North, Neerim, Neerim South, Neerim East, Noojee, Bunyip, Tonimbuk, Shady Creek and Rosworth are likely to be impacted by smoke, embers and possibly fire. Tourists advised to avoid Bunyip State Park and Kurth Kiln Regional Park. Those driving in smoke affected areas should drive cautiously.

ABC Reporter: Dash Lawrence Dargo fire has a high risk of spreading. Approximately 30ha. Licola fire has been contained, will continue to be monitored. Nariel fire has been contained. Access to State Forest and National parks will be restricted. Due to strong winds and high possibility of fire emergency services are advising Victorians to avoid all unnecessary travel today, particularly to bushlands, parks and coastal strips and other fire prone areas. Also a fire risk in outer metropolitan parks and reserves. DSE.0018.0121.0125 07-Feb-09 0327 State Duty Officer Dennis Ward, logbook. Fire escaped on Eastern Flank. Fire behaviour extreme with flame heights 5 - 10 metres.

DSE.0018.0121.0126 07-Feb-09 0359 State Duty Officer Dennis Ward, logbook. Communities of Tonimbuk, Labertouche and Jindivick West have been issued with a threat alert. Significant spotting potential.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0400 ABC 774 Broadcasts. ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Dash Lawrence Bunyip State Park fire continues to rage. Residents of Labertouche are likely to be impacted by fire later today. Jindivick, Drouin, Drouin West, Longwarry, Longwarry North, Neerim, Neerim South, Neerim East, Noojee, Bunyip, Tonimbuk, Shady Creek and Rosworth are likely to experience smoke, embers and possibly fire. Tourists advised not to visit Bunyip State Park or Kurth Kiln Regional park today.

ABC reporter: Dash Lawrence This fire is 35km NNW of Dargo State Forest. High risk of this fire spreading. Burned 30ha so far. Licola Target Creek fire has been contained. Will continue to be monitored though. Nariel fire has been contained and will also be monitored. Access to state forests and national park will be restricted today.

ABC reporter: Dash Lawrence BoM issued severe weather warning for a number of areas in Victoria. Details are given. Real possibility of fire today. Emergency services warn Victorians to avoid all unnecessary travel tomorrow particularly to bushlands, parks, costal strips and other fire prone areas. DSE.0017.0115.0163 07-Feb-09 0430 Alert Message (#4) - Bunyip Ridge fire, 5 km north of Tonimbuk, near Pakenham. Burning in a SE direction and is estimated to be greater than 152 ha. Fire is not currently posing a threat but Labertouche, Jindivick West and Tonimbuk communities need to be aware DSE.0047.0378.0037 that fire activity in the area has increased and has the potential to impact directly. The fire has broken containment lines and is spotting in multiple areas. Labertouche, Jindivick West and Tonimbuk communities will notice increased smoke and could start to see DSE.HDD.0002.0556 embers within 2 hours.

DSE.0013.0070.0131 07-Feb-09 0500 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Extreme fire conditions today. Travel Warnings issued. Detailed list of threat/alert/advice messages. DSE.0017.0113.0131 DSE.HDD.0002.2362 DSE.HDD.0002.2365

DSE.0017.0115.0161 or 07-Feb-09 0500 Joint Media Release - Fire fighters and communities near Bunyip State Park should prepare for fire. The fire has broken containment lines, earlier than expected. Warnings for Labertouche, Tonimbuk and Jindivick West residents. Jindivick, Drouin, Drouin West, DSE.HDD.0002.1352 Longwarry, Longwarry North, Neerim, Neerim South, Noojee, Bunyip, Shady Creek and Rosworth are likely to be impacted by smoke, embers and possible fire. The 152 hectare fire is 5km north of Tonimbuk, burning in difficult terrain. 'By now local residents should have made the decision to stay with their properties or leave early."

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0505 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: John Hall. Searing temperatures means extreme bushfire conditions for three states.

ABC reporter: Alma Mistry Temperatures forecasted to reach 46 degrees in southern states. In Victoria conditions are expected to be similar to that of the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0511 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Dash Lawrence. Bunyip Ridge Fire - 5km N of Tonimbuk, burnt 152ha as at 4am. Not currently posing a threat. Labertouche, Jindivick West and Tonimbuk communities be aware that fire activity has increased and may impact them directly. May notice increased smoke, and see embers within two hours. Fire has broken containment lines and is spotting in multiple areas. Dargo - White Timber Spur - 35km NNW of Dargo, high risk of spreading, approximately 30ha. Licola - Target Creek fire - contained. Will continue to be monitored, no communities at risk at this stage. Nariel fire - contained. Will continue to be monitored. This fire has restricted access to the State Forest and National Park. BoM issued severe weather warning for today. Details givens. Chance of bushfire activitity. Emergency services warn Victorians to avoid all unnecessary travel today, particularly to high fire risk areas. V/Line ask that public defer all nont-essential travel to the Gippsland region today due to expected disruption to services due to fire activity.Today is a Total Fire Ban for Victoria. CFA reminds public that they should DSE.0040.0332.0003 07-Feb-09 0630 Firei lBehaviour t th iEstimates, b hfi 2 l Day Head Fire Intensity (forest areas). Central District: Between 0400 and 2000 today direct attack is not possible, between 0900 and 1900 the fire will crown. Gippsland Foothill Forest: Between 0900 and 2300 today direct attack is not DSE.0055.0441.0040 possible, between 1200 and 2100 the fire will crown. DSE.0055.0441.0077 DSE.HDD.0005.5833 07-Feb-09 0630 Fire Behaviour Estimates, Day 0 Fire Behaviour Variables. Central district: For 12 hours frontal attack will not be possible. Perimeter of fire growth rate 9.8km/hr. Maximum forward rate of spread of head of fire 4.4km/hr. Gippsland Foothill Forest: For 14 hours frontal attack will not be possible. Perimeter of fire growth rate 8.7km/hr. Maximum forward rate of spread of head of fire is 4.2km/hr.

DSE.HDD.0005.5834 07-Feb-09 0630 Fire Behaviour Estimates, 2 Day Forest / Grassland FDI. Central district today: Extreme FFDI between 1000 and 1900. Extreme GFDI between 1300 and 1800. Gippsland Foothill Forest District today: Extreme FFDI and GFDI between 1300 and 1800.

DSE.0016.0104.0004 07-Feb-09 0650 Urgent Threat Message (#1), Brittania Creek Locality. Fire currently to the SE side of Warburton Highway, travelling east. Wesburn, Millgrove, Warburton, East Warburton, Big Pats Creek and Gladysdale communities may come under direct threat. Residents should activate their bush fire plans immediately.

DSE.HDD.0005.2559 07-Feb-09 0700 iECC Planning Officer Handover Notes, PM to AM shift. Situation Unit will prepare a document to clarify the process for distributing fire prediction information. 2 going fires. Code Red. All non standard mapping requests are to go through the planning officer as to manage mapping workload. Planning Officer: Denise Fontana.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 2 WIT.002.002.0110 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.HDD.0006.1825 07-Feb-09 0700 State Duty Officer Handover Notes, PM to AM shift. List of meetings and teleconferences. TFB statewide today. Bunyip SP - Bunyip Ridge fire increasing in size and has broken containment lines. Dargo - White Timber Spur expected to have increased in size overnight. Nariel fire still contained. Some parks closed today. Request for resources for Bunyip fire. Media requests slow today. Additional aircraft arriving from NSW. State Duty Officer: Dennis Ward.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0700 Joint State Fire Situation Report. DSE has 2 Going, 2 Contained and 84 Under Control Fires. CFA has 0 Going, 1 Contained and 0 Under Control Fire. One new fire has started today: SA Border - Penola Forest and is now under control. Current fires include: Bunyip State Park - Bunyip Ridge Track 152ha, Licola - Target Creek 135ha and Delburn Complex 6440ha. DSE resources committed to fires: 458 personnel, 7 tankers, 100 Slip ons, 13 Bulldozers and 15 aircraft with an additional 20 available.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0700 FM Radio, FOX FM. Vic Premier John Brumby says Victorians should prepare for horrifying weather this weekend, warning of deadly bushfire conditions not seen since Ash Wednesday, while the CFA says today's will be the worst conditions in Vic for 25 years. There are fears, meanwhile, a fire burning in Bunyip State Park could jump containment lines.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0701 FM Radio, Triple M. Vic Premier John Brumby says Victorians should prepare for horror fire weather this weekend, warning of conditions not seen since Ash Wednesday. Weather report - Total Fire Ban warning.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0701 FM Radio, Gold FM. A fire in Bunyip State Forest has broken containment lines, while forecast hot temperatures could see fires worse than those of 1983's Ash Wednesday. Emergency and health services expect to be pushed to the limit, while CFA has declared a Total Fire Ban across Victoria.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0701 FM Radio, Triple M. Weather report - Total Fire Ban warning.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0714 AM Radio, Radio National - Sydney. Bushfires are threatening towns in Victoria approximately 80kms east of Melbourne. Brian Grist from the CFA told the residents of Labertouche to ensure that they had a plan prior to the fire hitting the town. The fire was started by lightening, however it is believed it was strengthened by arsonists. Brian Grist warns that this weekends conditions are perfect for spreading fires. The region has already been hit hard by fires with many losing homes. The CFS in South Australia is warning that the state is facing the worst conditions in a very long time. The Commissioner from the NSW Rural Fire Service Shane Fitzsimmons warns that the vast majority of NSW will have dangerous conditions. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0720 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Name unknown. Total Fire Ban for state of Victoria. CFA reminds public that now is the time to implement their bushfire plans.

DSE.0018.0121.0128 07-Feb-09 0730 State Duty Officer Andrew Graystone, Incident Management Logbook entry. Spoke with Corang Jeffcott as is concerned about alert messaging. That predictive underestimates spread. Alert messages for Neerim and Noojee.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0734 DSE Initial Fire Report, Portland # 12, SA Border - Penola Forest, 39km W Casterton.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0742 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: name unknown. Total Fire Ban for Victoria today. CFA reminds public that they should implement their bushfire plans now. Emergency services advise not to go to Gippsland today and V/Line advise of possible disruption to services. Emergency services are warning public to stay away from bushfire prone areas today.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0745 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: John Reid. Trying to control Bunyip State Forest fire. Bracing for the worst fire weather since Ash Wednesday.

ABC reporter: Jean Edwards Weather conditions today could fan flames threatening homes today. Bunyip fire has jumped containment lines on eastern side, people should prepare their properties. Strong winds expected, even after the cool change expected around 7pm.

DSE: Dennis Ward Fire activity has increased and may impact Labertouche, Jindivick West and Tonimbuk.

BoM: Dean Steward Strong winds as change comes through. After 2-3 hours winds will ease off.

ABC reporter: John Reid Dargo fire size 30ha, isn't posing a threat to property at this stage. People asked to avoid travelling through area. DSE.HDD.0002.2368 07-Feb-09 0800 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Travel Warning issued urging Victorians to avoid all unnecessary travel. Bunyip State Park fire currently 160ha, has broken containment lines and spotting. Communities that are likely to be impacted by DSE.HDD.0002.2371 this fire are listed. Further information on Dargo - White Timber Spur, Licola - target Creek and North east Victoria.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0800 AM Radio, 3AW. Victoria faces a day of extreme weather conditions today with emergency services on standby. Dean Stewart, Senior Forecaster, Weather Bureau, says that Melbourne may break a new record for the hottest day in Feb. John Brumby, Victorian Premier, has told people not to travel if they can avoid it. A fire burning in the Bunyip State Forest has broken containment lines. Residents in Labertouche, Tonimbuk and Jindivik West are being told to watch for smoke and embers.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0801 FM Radio, Nova 100.3. There are expected to be strong winds today to accompany the extreme heat. John Brumby, Victorian Premier, has warned of the extreme threat posed by bushfires. There is a large fire burning in the Bunyip State Park and it has already jumped containment lines this morning. There is a total fire ban in place for the whole state.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0804 AM Radio, Radio National - Canberra. Bushfires are threatening towns in Victoria approximately 80kms east of Melbourne. Brian Grist from the CFA told the residents of Labertouche to ensure that they had a plan prior to the fire hitting the town. The fire was started by lightening, however it is believed it was strengthened by arsonists. Brian Grist warns that this weekends conditions are perfect for spreading fires. The region has already been hit hard by fires with many losing homes. The CFS in South Australia is warning that the state is facing the worst conditions in a very long time. The Commissioner from the NSW Royal Fire Service Shane Fitzsimmons warns that the vast majority of NSW will have dangerous conditions. DSE.0017.0113.0125 07-Feb-09 0830 External Website Update. Statewide Overview. Total Fire Ban across the state today. Extreme fire conditions expected. Urge public to reconsider plans to visit bush and parklands this Saturday. Travel Warnings issued. Updates of Bunyip State Park - Bunyip Ridge fire, DSE.0013.0070.0125 Dargo - White Timber Spur, Licola - Target Creek. DSE.0017.0113.0128 DSE.0013.0070.0128 DSE.HDD.0002.2374 Dse.HDD.0002.2377

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0830 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Hilary Harper Total Fire Ban for Victoria today. CFA says now is time to implement your bushfire plan.

DSE: Stuart Ord Fire in Bunyip State Park has jumped containment lines overnight. Due to flame height direct attack is not possible. Thinking about the protection of small communities ahead of fire like Tonimbuk, Labertouche, Jindivick and Tarago. Very difficult fire fighting conditions. Flame height has been between 5-10 metres. Conditions difficult for air attack. Bunyip State Park is close, asking people to stay out. Residents need to have decided if they going to stay or go. Dargo fire approximately 30ha in size. Fire is spreading, not contained. Lightning through the Otways, keeping an eye for fires. Worst fire day since the 1980s. Fires in NSW but at this stage each state will look after themselves. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0836 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Hilary Harper Emergency services warn not to travel and to stay away for high risk areas. V/Line advising against travelling to Gippsland, due to disrupted services.

DSE.HDD.0003.0370 0900 iECC Morning Briefing, Code Red. Total Fire Ban for entire state. DSE and CFA Incidents. 2 Going fires on DSE land, Delburn Complex and Bunyip Ridge Track. Briefing from the BoM. Extreme FFDI and GFDI, easing for the days to come. Prediction map for Bunyip DSE.HDD.0003.2148 Ridge Track, iECC Meeting/Briefing Schedule. Resources deployed: 458 Personnel, 7 Tankers, 100 Slip-ons, 19 Dozers. 197 active fire on DSE land, 2 Going, 2 Contained, 84 Controlled and 19 Not Found. Fire Behaviour Estimates: Central District - between 0500 and 2000 direct attack of a fire is not possible, between 1100 and 1900 the fire will crown. Gippsland Foothill Forest District - Direct attack is not possible btween 1000 and 2200, crowning of fire will occur between 1200 and 2100. North East Foothills district - Direct attack not possible between 0800 and midnight, crowning will occur between 1100 and 2300. Public are warned to avoid all unnecessary travel today. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0900 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: John Reid Bunyip State Park fire likely to spread quickly. 150ha in size, has jumped containment lines. Communities of Labertouche, Jindivick West and Tonimbuk could be threatened. Residents need to prepare their properties

DSE: Stuart Ord Flame height 5 -10 metres. Direct attack not suitable, control lines further back.

ABC reporter: John Reid Temperatures to climb into 40s. Strong winds.

DSE.0055.0441.0089 07-Feb-09 0900 Daily Fire Spread Potential Report, Victorian Districts. Assessment of the potential fire spread and maximum spotting distance given the forecasted weather for the 24hr period starting 1000 07/02/2009. Fire spread predictions for the following regions: Mangalore, Falls DSE.0045.0373.0027 Creek, Melbourne Airport, Latrobe Valley, Ballarat, Hamilton, Wangaratta, Orbost, Walpeup, Stawell.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0900 AM Radio, 3AW. People already ignoring warnings to stay away from the state's parks and bushland. Two bushfires keeping firefighters busy. Fire in Bunyip state forest having potential to threaten powerlines supplying Melbourne. Premier John Brumby warning the conditions have the potential to kill, and that people should be on the alert for arsonists. Extra trains, buses and maintenance crews on standby with Connex having learned from the recent heatwave which caused rail network meltdown.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0900 FM Radio, MIX FM. Victoria is facing never-before seen bushfire risks that could eclipse Ash Wednesday fires of 1983. The biggest threat is a 153ha fire in the Bunyip State Forest which has broken containment lines. Chris Hardman(*), incident controller, DSE, says that it will be tough to control the blaze. Melbourne's electricity supplies are expected to hold up today.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 3 WIT.002.002.0111 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0900 FM Radio, FOX FM. Fire sweeping through state forest near Pakenham breaks containment lines earlier than expected. CFA and DSE worried powerlines supplying Melbourne could be damaged.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0901 FM Radio, Nova 100.3. There is a large fire burning in the Bunyip State Park and it has already jumped containment lines this morning. There is a total fire ban in place for the whole state. People in Labertouche, Tonimbuk and Jindivik West are being warned of impending threats to property.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0905 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC broadcast, ABC reporter: Hilary Harper. Total Fire Ban for Victoria today. CFA says now is time to implement your bushfire plan. Fire in Bunyip State Park has jumped containment lines. Fire burning 5km N of Tonimbuk in a SE direction. Greater than 160ha. Communities of Labertouche, Jindivick West and Tonimbuk may be directly impacted. Jindivick, Drouin, Drouin West, Longwarry, Longwarry North, Neerim, Neerim South, Noojee, Bunyip, Shady Creek or Rosworth need to be aware of ember attack also. Public urged to stay off roads. Emergency services advise people to avoid visiting high risk fire areas. V/Line are asking public to defer travel to Gippsland.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0905 FM Radio, Stereo 974. Milne says that the SES commander was supposed to be on the show but is unable because of the current fire conditions in Victoria. Milne says that there is a total fire ban for today in Victoria including open barbecues.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 0906 FM Radio, Triple M. The fire sweeping through a state forest near Pakenham has broken containment lines much earlier than expected. Residents have been put on high alert as the fires burning in the Bunyip State Forest may threaten nearby towns. The state is bracing for high temperatures today and gale force winds.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 0934 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC Broadcast, CFA: John Haynes. Bunyip fire still burning freely in the bush. Air attack taking place. Erratic fire patterns expected.

DSE.0017.0113.0122 07-Feb-09 0945 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban across the state today. Extreme fire conditions expected. Public should reconsider plans to visit parkland and bushland this Saturday. Travel warning issued. Updates on the following fires: Bunyip State park - Bunyip Ridge fire, DSE.0013.0070.0122 Dargo White timber Spur Fire, Portland - Penola forest fire, Licola - Target Creek. DSE.HDD.0002.2380 DSE.HDD.0002.2383

DSE.0017.0115.0157 07-Feb-09 0945 Joint Alert Message (#5), Bunyip Ridge Fire. Burning 5 km N of Tonimbuk in a SE direction and is estimated to be 165 ha. Not currently posing a threat. Labertouche, Jindivick, Neerim and Tonimbuk communities need to be aware that fire activity in the area has DSE.HDD.0002.0557 increased and has the potential to impact directly and will notice increased smoke. The fire has broken containment lines. Bunyip State Park is closed to all vehicles except emergency services. Closure of the Princes Freeway, south of Bunyip State Park, is possible this afternoon. Communities are warned that a power blackout early this afternoon is possible. DSE.0017.0115.0159 07-Feb-09 0945 Joint Alert Message (#6), Bunyip Ridge Fire. Burning 5 km N of Tonimbuk in a SE direction and is estimated to be 165 ha. Not currently posing a threat. Labertouche, Jindivick, Neerim and Tonimbuk communities need to be aware that fire activity in the area has DSE.HDD.0002.1224 increased and has the potential to impact directly and will notice increased smoke. Longwarry, Drouin West and Buln Buln can expect to see smoke. The fire has broken containment lines. Bunyip State Park is closed to all vehicles except emergency services. Closure of the Princes Freeway, south of Bunyip State Park, is possible this afternoon. Communities are warned that a power blackout early this afternoon is possible.

DSE.HDD.0005.7934 07-Feb-09 1000 Joint State Fire Situation Report. DSE has 2 Going, 2 Contained and 85 Under Control Fires. CFA has 3 Going, 2 Contained and 1 Under Control Fire. One new fire has started today: SA Border - Penola Forest and is now under control. Current fires are Dargo - White Timber Spur, Bunyip SP - Bunyip Ridge Track, Licola - Target Creek and Delburn Complex. DSE resources deployed: 379 personnel, 6 Tankers, 85 slip-ons, 8 Bulldozers, 18 aircraft with an additional 18 available.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1001 FM Radio, FOX FM. Authorities bracing for a day of extreme weather across Vic with fire risk which could eclipse that preceding the Ash Wednesday fires of 1983. Over a hundred firefighters battling overnight to contain fire in Bunyip state park which has jumped containment lines. Emergency services also expected to have their hands full coping with casualties from the heat.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1007 AM Radio, 3AW. David Borden demonstrates how Weber barbecues work. Borden says under a total fire ban, use of any solid fuel barbecue is prohibited, i.e.. no heat beads, charcoal, wood. You can use the gas. He recommends consulting the CFA website. Borden extols virtues of Weber products. DSE.HDD.0002.0376 07-Feb-09 1030 Community Update Newsletter, Delburn Complex Fires (#8). Crews are continuing to consolidate containment lines by blacking out the area. Crews will be in the area monitoring and patrolling to ensure that hotspots stay within containment lines. Fire Danger for today DSE.HDD.0002.0378 will be EXTREME. Weather for Saturday 7th February: Hot, Temp 43, Wind N 25-35 km tending NW up to 50km during the morning, shifting W late in the evening. DSE.0028.0247.0304

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1050 DSE Initial Fire Report, Nowa Nowa # 19, Nowa Nowa - Veldens Road, 5km SW Nowa Nowa.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1100 Fire Weather Teleconference with Meteorologist Kevin Parkyn, iECC and DSE regions.

DSE.0018.0121.0131 07-Feb-09 1100 State Duty Officer Andrew Graystone, Incident Management Logbook entry. Fire Weather Teleconference. Winds will pick up within next 1-2 hours, about 1 hr earlier than expected. Maybe midnight before winds back off. Lightning.

DSE.0028.0248.0061 07-Feb-09 1100 External Website Update. A Total Fire Ban applies to all fire districts across the state today. DSE and CFA are well prepared for extreme fire conditions today. The last week of record-breaking temperatures has caused unprecedented dryness across all parts of DSE.0017.0113.0117 Victoria. Residents need to remain vigilant and prepared. Victorians should reconsider plans to visit bush and parkland this Saturday. Due to extreme weather a number of parks will be closed for public safety including Bunyip State Park. CFA advise people living in DSE.0013.0070.0117 high risk areas to activate their bush fire plan. DSE.HDD.0002.2386 DSE.HDD.0002.2391 DSE.0067.0548.0010 07-Feb-09 1140 Fire Weather Meteorologist Kevin Parkyn, Incident Management Logbook entry. Spoken to S. Coombs on telephone - "Thunderstorm risk today and Sunday. "

DSE.0017.0115.0156 07-Feb-09 1145 Joint Alert Message (#7), Bunyip Ridge Fire. Burning 5 km N of Tonimbuk, in a SE direction, estimated to be 165ha. Not currently posing a threat, Labertouche, Jindivick, Neerim and Tonimbuk communities need to be aware that fire activity in the area has increased DSE.HDD.0002.0559 and has the potential to impact directly, they will notice increased smoke. The fire has broken containment lines. Bunyip State Parks closed to all vehicles except emergency services. Closure of the Princes Freeway, south of Bunyip State Park, is possible this DSE.0016.0106.0048 afternoon. Communities are warned that a power blackout early this afternoon is possible.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1200 ABC 774 Melbourne, DSE Stuart Ord: In regards to Bunyip fire "We’re moving strike teams into that area to protect people and houses."

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1200 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Jean Edwards. Properties to be protected from Bunyip fire. Gusting winds. Towns of Tonimbuk, Labertouche and Jindivick are being protected.

DSE: Stuart Ord Strike teams moving to protect people and houses from fire.

ABC reporter: Jean Edwards Bunyip fire could effect Melbourne's power supply. Winds are strong where Bunyip fire is. According to Terry Ryan from the BoM "fire danger is extreme out there".

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1209 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: John Reid. Crews are protecting towns on Tonimbuk, Labertouche and Jindivick from Bunyip fire. Power lines may be threatened by fire. Total Fire Ban for State of Victoria. Gale warnings for part of state.

No Doc ID 1214 DSE Initial Fire Report, Cann River # 21, Cann Mill, Princess Highway 1km E of Town.

DSE.0017.0113.0112 07-Feb-09 1220 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban across the state today. Extreme fire conditions expected. Public should reconsider plans to visit parkland and bushland this Saturday. Travel warning issued. Contains details of threat/alert/advice messages. Updates on key DSE.0013.0070.0112 fires. DSEDSE.HDD.0002.8174 HDD 0002 2395 07-Feb-09 1225 Joint Media Release, Smoke Report for Delburn Complex Fire 1200hrs. Communities within the Delburn Complex Fire need to be aware of increased smoke this afternoon with winds increasing. Road users are advised to take extra care due to low visibility from DSE.0017.0115.0155 smoke. DSE.0010.0051.0060 07-Feb-09 1227 DSE Initial Fire Report, Wimmera # 30, Rudolph Rd, 2km W of Horsham. "2 bombers from Stawell deployed. Fire moving fast".

DSE.HDD.0002.0674 07-Feb-09 1230 Joint Alert Message (#1) Black Spur Road Closure. General public are advised that Maroondah Highway in the area commonly known as the Black Spur is closed to all traffic between Healesville and Narbethong.

DSE.0005.0020.0129 07-Feb-09 1230 DSE Initial Fire Report, Murrindindi # 35, Kilmore - Saunders Road, 5km E of Kilmore. DSE.0005.0020.0130 DSE.0005.0020.0132 DSE.0015.0088.0120 DSE.0015.0088.0121 DSE.0015.0088.0122

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 4 WIT.002.002.0112 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1232 ABC 774 Melbourne, David Nugent - Incident Controller, Bunyip Ridge Fire. "As the winds have picked up so too has the fire behaviour. Prior to increased fire activity the fire size was 160 hectares but it is currently a bit larger than 165 hectares. Currently experiencing a strong N - NW winds. As the wind change comes in in the afternoon "what you have is the effect of a big long fire that's pushed by the northerly wind, and the eastern or the north-eastern side of that fire under a south-westerly change becomes the fire front." Residents around Labertouche, Jindivick and Tonimbuk are advised that they need to be "aware of the increased activity", people should "continue to listen to the ABC" as this is where urgent warnings will be delivered. People are advised of the possibility of power outages due to a major transmission line that is not far from the fire.

ABC reporter - Hilary Harper: "Communities of Labertouche, Neerim, Jindivick and Tonimbuk will notice increased smoke." Can check CFA and DSE's websites for more information. The CFA advise that it is now time to implement your personal bushfire plan. Police DSE.0011.0054.0109 07-Feb-09 1235 DSE Initial Fire Report, Murrindindi # 36, Clonbinane - Equestrian Centre, 3km SE of Clombinane.

DSE.0038.0315.0022 07-Feb-09 1235 DSE Initial Fire Report, Portland # 13 Coleraine - Glenelg Highway, 3km W Coleraine.

DSE.0017.0115.0154 07-Feb-09 1235 Joint Media Release, Smoke Report for Delburn Complex Fire. Communities within the Delburn Complex Fire need to be aware of increased smoke this afternoon with winds increasing. CFA and DSE crews are patrolling the whole of the Complex to monitor and DSE.HDD.0002.8174 extinguish any possible hot spots. Road users are advised to take extra care as road travel may be hazardous due to low visibility from smoke. DSE.0017.0115.0155

DSE.0067.0548.0010 07-Feb-09 1240 Fire Weather Meteorologist Kevin Parkyn, logbook. Spoken to Brent Wachter. The Westerly change at Bunyip is likely to be more South-westerly.

DSE.HDD.0002.7494 07-Feb-09 1240 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Remlaw Road Fire. A fire, is burning west of Horsham along Remlaw Road in southerly direction. The communities of Haven, McKenzie Creek and all the way through to Wonwondah may be directly impacted upon by this fire.

DSE.0010.0052.0210 07-Feb-09 1245 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Bunyip State Park - Bunyip Ridge Trk #47. Communities of Labertouche and Labertouche North will experience ember attack and heavy smoke due to containment lines being broken and heavy spotting. DSE.0010.0052.0212

DSE.0017.0115.0153 07-Feb-09 1245 Joint Alert Message (#1), Caramut-Purdeet Road. Grass fire, burning 10 km SW of Caramut, is burning to the south. Less than 5ha. Not currently posing a threat, Minhamite communities need to be aware that fire activity in the area has increased and has the potential DSE.HDD.0002.0618 to impact directly.

No Doc ID 1247 VBIL Overflow Process Initiated. DSE called Centrelink to initiate overflow process, whereby Centrelink would answer the overflow calls from VBIL.

DSE.0067.0548.0010 07-Feb-09 1250 Fire Weather Meteorologist Kevin Parkyn, logbook. Spoken to Mike Sutton and confirmed SW change at Bunyip rather than westerly.

DSE.0017.0113.0107 07-Feb-09 1250 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban across the state today. Contains details of threat/alert/advice messages. Updates on key fires. Travel Warnings. DSE.0013.0070.0107 DSE.HDD.0002.2405

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1257 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC Reporter - John Reid: Fire in Bunyip State Park is a risk to the communities of Labertouche, Tonimbuk and Jindivick. Fire likely to spread quickly with increasing afternoon winds. "The fire is within kilometres of a major power line to Melbourne".

DSE spokesperson Stuart Ord: Bunyip fire - strong winds of up to 50km/hr are forcing the "fire pretty quickly", once the fire hits grassland it can reach speeds of up to 70km/hr which makes for very difficult fire fighting conditions.

ABC reporter - John Reid: Strong northerly winds are blowing a fire near Kilmore East toward pine plantations. Fire authorities are about to close the Hume Highway. CFA said blaze could threaten properties near Wandong. Fire crews also trying to control a fire broken out on Western edge of Horsham which could effect communities of Haven and McKenzie Creek area.

Fire in state forest near Dargo is almost 40ha which is being water bombed, dozers are establishing control lines. No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1300 AM Radio, 3AW. Powerlines supplying electricity to Melbourne potentially threatened by fire in the Bunyip state forest. Grass fire at Kilmore burning along Hume Highway, which has been closed in the state's north.

DSE.0020.0202.0004 07-Feb-09 1300 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 64, Healesville - Chum Creek, N of Healesville.

DSE.0017.0115.0150 07-Feb-09 1300 Joint Awareness Message (#1), Initial Advice - Dargo - White Timber Spur. Burning 35 kilometres NNW of Dargo, in East Gippsland. Currently relatively stable but as the afternoon progresses, could burn in a SE direction, estimated to be 30 ha. Not currently posing a DSE.HDD.0002.0822 threat to communities. DSE.0011.0056.0056

DSE.0017.0115.0151 07-Feb-09 1300 Joint Awareness Message (#2), Final Advice - Caramut-Purdeet Road. Grass fire burning 10 km SW of Caramut, near Purdeet East, has now subsided. Estimated size is 5 ha. DSE.HDD.0002.0867 DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1303 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter - Hilary Harper: Urgent threat message for communities in Horsham for fire west of Horsham along Remlore Road. Communities of Haven, McKenzie Creek through to Won Wron may be directly impacted. Residents need to patrol their homes for burning embers. Urgent threat message for Bunyip Ridge. Communities of Labertouche and Labertouche North will be under ember attack and heavy smoke due to broken containment lines. Heavy spotting is also occurring. Smoke report for Delburn Complex fire. Drivers are advised to take care due to extra smoke on the roads.

DSE.0017.0115.0149 07-Feb-09 1310 Joint Alert Message (#1), Grass & Scrub Fire near Kilmore. Burning 4km E of Kilmore, in a Southerly direction. Even though the fire is not currently posing a threat, the communities south of Saunders Rd including Wandong Rd, Pretty Sally View Estate, Wandong, Heathcote Junction, and Upper plenty need to be aware that fire activity in the area has increased and there will be heavy smoke and ember activity.

DSE.0004.0016.0021 07-Feb-09 1325 DSE Initial Fire Report, Otway # 10, Camperdown - Danedite Road, 7km E Camperdown.

DSE.0017.0115.0147 07-Feb-09 1326 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Remlaw Fire. Burning west of Horsham City, in a southerly direction. The fire crossed the Wimmera River at 12.50pm and has crossed Golf Course Road and is currently burning towards Old Hamilton Road. The communities of Haven, McKenzie Creek and all the way through to Wonwondah may be directly impacted upon by this fire. There are reports of spotting at the back of Kenny Road, Horsham.

DSE.0017.0115.0145 07-Feb-09 1330 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Bunyip Ridge Fire. Garfield North, Tonimbuk, Labertouche, Robin Hood, Drouin West, Buln Buln, Tarago, Jindivick, Jindivick North, Longwarry, Longwarry North and Bunyip are experiencing ember attack and heavy smoke due to DSE.0021.0209.0009 containment lines being broken and heavy spotting. DSE.0010.0052.0195 DSE.0010.0052.0196 DSE.0034.0287.0021 DSE.HDD.0002.1234

DSE.0017.0115.0146 07-Feb-09 1330 Joint Urgent Threat Message, PF13 Coleraine Glenelg Highway Fire . Burning immediately west of Coleraine in an easterly direction. The fire has crossed the Coleraine-Balmoral Road. The communities of Muntham, Coleraine and Hilgay may be directly impacted upon by this fire. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1330 ABC 774 Melbourne, Member of public: Peter. Near Wandong fire where the wind is picking up. Visibility is good as smoke is being blown away.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1335 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC Reporter: "CFA and DSE advise that when the public are accessing their web pages to shut their windows down when they have finished because the websites are already struggling with the amount of traffic. Furthermore, in the Delburn Complex fire drivers are reminded to take care when travelling on the roads as their will be increased smoke in the area."

DSE.0013.0070.0101 07-Feb-09 1335 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Contains an extensive list of all the current threat/alert/advice messages. DSE.0016.0108.0157 DSE.0017.0013.0101 DSE.HDD.0002.2410 DSE.HDD.0002.2416

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1338 ABC 774 Melbourne, David Nugent - Incident Controller, Bunyip Ridge fire: Fire spotted into the Drouin area and actions are being made to close the Princes Freeway between Pakenham and Warragul. A reminder when accessing DSE and CFA website that once you've finished using them, shut the windows down as soon as possible because they are both experiencing enormous traffic. The fire conditions are what was predicted to be the worst case scenario. The public are encouraged to listen to ABC radio as it's "the most immediate way the people can hear what's going on". Listen to the ABC it provides the most up to date messages.

ABC Reporter - Tonya Roberts: Urging people to shut their internet windows down after using the CFA or DSE website as are both under enormous traffic.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 5 WIT.002.002.0113 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.0005.0020.0090 07-Feb-09 1340 DSE Initial Fire Report, Bendigo # 80, Quarry Hill - Houston St, 1km SE Bendigo.

DSE.0014.0083.0080 07-Feb-09 1345 DSE Initial Fire Report, Erica #8, Churchill - Gendonald Rd, 2km SE Churchill, "Threat messages issued to residents in the Jeeralang Junction area and Hazelwood South. Houses under threat."

DSE.0017.0115.0143 07-Feb-09 1345 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#1), Glendonald Road Fire. Burning 1 km SE of Churchill, near Pine Plantation is, burning in a SE direction. Hazelwood South, Jeeralang, Jeeralang North, Jeeralang Junction may be directly impacted upon by this fire. DSE.0029.0256.0205 DSE.HDD.0002.7395

DSE.0013.0070.0094 07-Feb-09 1350 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Contains an extensive list of all the current threat/alert/advice messages. DSE.0017.0113.0094 DSE.HDD.0002.2422

DSE.0017.0115.0142 07-Feb-09 1350 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#2), Kilmore East Fire. The grass and scrub fire, burning 4 km E of Kilmore, south of Saunders Rd, is burning in a southerly direction. The communities of Wandong may be directly impacted upon by this fire within 10 minutes. DSE.HDD.0002.7489

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1356 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Tonya Roberts. Coleraine Glenelg Highway fire, has crossed Coleraine Balmoral Road. Communities of Muntham, Coleraine and Hilgay may be directly impacted upon.

Member of public: Doug Major fire brewing at base of Jeeralang, it's just horrific. Believes he is reporting a brand new fire.

ABC Reporter: Tonya Roberts "We need to get an urgent update on that by the sounds of it".

CFA: John Haynes Urgent threat message to residents of Wandong.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1400 AM Radio, 3AW. Towns are under direct threat as a fire burns out of control in the Bunyip State Forest in West Gippsland. Strike teams have been deployed to Labertouche, Labertouche North and Tonimbuk which are now under ember attacks and residents are told to watch for spot fires. Strong winds are pushing the fire towards powerlines that supply Melbourne.

DSE.0018.0121.0134 07-Feb-09 1400 State Duty Officer Andrew Graystone, Incident Management Logbook entry. Spoke with David Nugent from the Bunyip Fire. Asset protection occurring only. Warragul and Drouin under threat.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1400 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Alicia Byrne. Labertouche and Labertouche North are under ember attack from Bunyip State Park fire. Fire burned more than 160ha. Bunyip blaze is threatening major transmission lines into Melbourne.

DSE spokesperson Stuart Ord Fire could threaten homes. Labertouche, Jindivick, Neerim and Tonimbuk will be seeing smoke. Wind speed will increase in afternoon and so too will the speed of this fire.

ABC Reporter: Peter Lonergan Fire started along Remlaw road just before 1 o'clock. Fire running southwards. CFA advise communities of Haven, McKenzie Creek and Wonwondah to patrol their homes for embers.

ABC reporter: Alicia Byrne Residents of Kilmore East, Wandong and Clonbinane are on alert as fire is blown towards them. High temperatures today. Cool change will come later today. DSE.0013.0070.0087 07-Feb-09 1400 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Contains an extensive list of all the current threat/alert/advice messages. DSE.0017.0113.0087 DSE.HDD.0002.2429 DSE.HDD.0002.2436

DSE.0014.0077.0006 07-Feb-09 1400 Joint Initial Message (#1), Camperdown Danedite Road Fire . At this stage properties in the area of Pomborneit, Stoneyford, Swan Marsh and surrounding areas are ask to enact their Bushfire Survival Plans and will be affected by smoke and possible embers. The fire DSE.0016.0107.0009 is continuing to burn in a south easterly direction and size of fire is unknown. DSE.0016.0107.0010 DSE.0017.0115.0139

DSE.0017.0115.0122 07-Feb-09 1400 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Bunyip Ridge Fire. Bunyip, Longwarry and the outskirts of Drouin township are experiencing ember attack and heavy smoke due to containment lines being broken and heavy spotting.

DSE.0017.0115.0124 07-Feb-09 1400 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Bunyip Ridge Fire. Garfield North, Tonimbuk, Labertouche, Robin Hood, Drouin West, Buln Buln, Tarago, Jindivick, Jindivick North, Longwarry, Longwarry North, Bunyip and outskirts of Drouin townships are experiencing ember attack and DSE.HDD.0002.1226 heavy smoke due to containment lines being broken and heavy spotting.

DSE.0017.0115.0140 07-Feb-09 1400 Initial Message (#1), Camperdown-Danedite Road Fire. Grass fire is burning 7 km E of Camperdown on the south side of the Princes Hwy in the vicinity of the Pomborneit Recreation Reserve and is heading in a SE direction. Crews are responding and a Strike Team DSE.0037.0298.0001 is currently being formed at the Swan Marsh Fire Station. At this stage properties in the area of Pomborneit, Stoneyford, Swan Marsh and surrounding areas are ask to enact their Bushfire Survival Plans and will be affected by smoke and possible embers. The fire is continuing to burn in a SE direction and size of the fire is unknown.

DSE.0017.0115.0141 07-Feb-09 1400 Joint Threat Message (#1), Camperdown-Danedite Road Fire. To all residents of Scollers Road, Caters Roads Settlement and Swan Marsh communities that the grass fire burning approximately 7 km E of Camperdown, south side of the Princes Hwy poses a threat DSE.HDD.0002.7510 are ask to enact their Bushfire Survival Plans immediately.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1400 CenITex, Network Investigation. SI5659 Logged 1400 07/02, passed to Network team for Investigation. Reported as slow LAN and Internet speed.

DSE.HDD.0002.7874 07-Feb-09 1400 Kilmore Predicted Fire Spread Maps 1400-2100hrs

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1401 AM Radio, 3AW. The Hume Hwy between Wallan and Broadford has now been closed. A 5ha grass fire is also burning 10kms southeast of Karama while a few smaller grass fires in the metropolitan area are under control. DSE.0017.0115.0136 07-Feb-09 1405 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#3), Kilmore East Fire. Burning 4 km E of Kilmore, S of Saunders Rd, is burning in a southerly direction and is estimated to be 630ha. The communities of Heathcote Junction and Upper Plenty may be directly impacted upon by this fire DSE.HDD.0002.7490 within 30 minutes.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1405 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Tonya Roberts. Wandong, Bunyip, Remlaw, Caramut, Churchill, Colac and Delburn fires are all burning or spotting.

CFA: John Haynes Wandong Fire - asset protection occurring. Bunyip fire - spotting heavily now. Fire at Horsham - urgent threat warnings for Haven, McKenzie Creek and Wonwondah. Coleraine fire - burning towards Coleraine. Glendonald Road fire - immediate threat. Delburn fire - burning severely in pine forest. DSE.0016.0107.0016 07-Feb-09 1410 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Remlaw Fire. Burning west of Horsham City, currently burning in a SW direction. A W wind change is due between 1500 and 1800 today. Communities currently under threat are Haven, McKenzie Creek, Bungalally and Green Lake. DSE.0017.0115.0119 When the wind change comes through the area, the communities on the eastern side of the Western Highway between Drung Drung South and Horsham may be under threat.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1410 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Steve Martin Remlaw Fire - Urgent Threat Message. Communities of Haven, McKenzie Creek through to Wonwondah may be directly impacted upon. Some reports of spotting. Bunyip Fire - Urgent Threat Messages for Garfield North, Tonimbuk, Labertouche, Robin Hood, Drouin West, Tarago, Jindivick, Jindivick North, Longwarry, Longwarry North and Bunyip. Coleraine Glenelg Highway Fire - communities of Muntham, Coleraine and Hilgay may be directly impacted upon by this fire. Caramut Purdeet Road Fire - burnt 5ha. Final advice for Minhamite community.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 6 WIT.002.002.0114 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1410 ABC 774 Melbourne, CFA Incident Controller, Delburn fire: Peter Lockwood Fire has broken out at Glendonald Road in a pine plantation. Urgent threat message issued to Hazelwood South, Jeeralang, Jeeralang North, Jeeralang Junction and may head towards Taralgan South. Those affected need to make the decision if they will stay or go by 2:15pm. DSE.0018.0121.0134 07-Feb-09 1412 State Duty Officer Andrew Graystone, Incident Management Logbook entry. Spoken with David Tainsk. The Delburn fire is near Churchill and is running hard.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1414 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Tonya Roberts. Tune into your local ABC radio for updates. You can also refer to the CFA or DSE websites but be quick so that other people can access the websites also. Member of public Maureen texted in "The fire was on top of us before we knew it".

DSE.0016.0106.0086 07-Feb-09 1415 Joint Awareness Message (#2), Initial Advice, Glendonald Road Fire. Near Churchill is currently burning in plantation and heading in a SE direction. Residents of Jumbuck, Le Roy, Budgeree East, Valley View, Traralgon South and Ballook may experience smoke and DSE.0017.0115.0118 embers. Residents must implement their fire plan. DSE.HDD.0002.0273

No Doc ID 1416 VBIL Overflow Process Initiated. Centrelink began receiving overflow phone calls from VBIL

DSE.0010.0051.0052 07-Feb-09 1418 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Remlaw Fire at 1410hrs. Communities under threat are Haven, McKenzie Creek, Bungalally and Green Lake, and those between Drung Drung South and Horsham may be under threat. Road closure information listed.

DSE.0013.0070.0080 07-Feb-09 1420 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Contains an extensive list of all the current threat/alert/advice messages. DSE.0017.0113.0080 DSE.HDD.0002.2443 DSE.HDD.0002.2450

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1424 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Steve Martin. Urgent Threat Message - Camperdown Danedite Road for residents of Scollers Road, Caters Road Settlement and Swan Marsh. These residents need to enact their bushfire plans now. Urgent Threat Message - Glendonald Road fire for communities of Hazelwood South, Jeeralang, Jeeralang North and Jeeralang Junction who may be directly impacted upon by this fire. Urgent Threat Message - Coleraine Glenelg Highway fire. Communities in Muntham, Coleraine and Hilgay may be directly impacted. Bunyip ridge fire - communities of Garfield North, Tonimbuk, Labertouche, Robin Hood, Drouin West, Buln Buln, Tarago, Jindivick, Jindivick North, Longwarry, Longwarry North and Bunyip are under ember attack and heavy smoke due to containment lines being broken. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1424 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Alicia Byrne. Bunyip fire more than 160ha. Residents of Labertouche and Labertouche North are under ember attack. DSE warns fire could threaten homes. Fire is within 1km of power lines that feed Melbourne. Urgent Threat Message for Scollers Road, Caters Road Settlement, Swan Marsh, Hazelwood South, Jeeralang and Jeeralang North, as well as Jeeralang Junction. Residents of Haven, McKenzie Creek and Wonwondah are being warned to look for burning embers from Remlaw Road fire. Wandong, East Wandong and Clonbinane are warned to be on alert from blaze near Saunders Road.

DSE.0016.0104.0025 07-Feb-09 1425 Joint Awareness Message (#1), Initial Advice, Smoke in Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges Area. A grass and scrub fire is burning in the Bunyip State Forest-Tonimbuk, north of Drouin. Anther fire in Kilmore East area and smoke from this may be drifting across the DSE.0017.0115.0135 Dandenong Ranges, Eastern and nearby suburbs. Residents in the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges Eastern suburbs area may be experiencing smoke from these fires. These fires are not currently posing a threat to any other communities outside the general area of 1. Bunyip Fire: Garfield North, Tonimbuk, Labertouche, Robin Hood, Longwarry, Drouin West, Buln Buln, Tarago, Jindivick North, Jindivick, Longwarry North and Bunyip. 2. Kilmore Fire: Kilmore East and Wandong areas.

DSE.0017.0115.0117 07-Feb-09 1430 Joint Urgent Threat Message, 3 PF 13 Coleraine-Glenelg Hwy Fire. Burning in an NE direction and is now estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 ha. The communities in the Douglas Road, Coleraine - Balmoral Road, Cavendish - Coleraine Road, Highlands Road DSE.HDD.0002.1557 and Melville Forest Road may be directly impacted upon by this fire.

DSE.0017.0115.0134 07-Feb-09 1430 Joint Threat Message (#2), Camperdown-Danedite Road Fire. Now crossed the Princes Hwy heading E towards Pomborneit North. Residents in the Pomborneit North area need to implement their fire survival plans immediately. Residents of Scollers Road, Carters DSE.HDD.0002.1436 Roads Settlement and Swan Marsh communities are advised to remain alert for burning embers.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1430 ABC 774 Melbourne, CFA: John Haynes. Coleraine fire - Fire changing direction now. Urgent Threat Message for Douglas Road, Coleraine-Balmoral Road, Cavendish Coleraine Road and the Highlands Road and Melville Forest Road may potentially be impacted. Fire area predicted to be 800ha by locals. Horsham fire - threatening towns of McKenzie Creek, Haven and Wonwondah. Swan Marsh Fire - being fought better than most. Danedite Road fire - Urgent Threat Message. Wandong fire - spotting into the top end of Wandong. Weather was predicted to be extreme and it is extreme. Bunyip State park fire - spot fires in Drouin. Assets being impacted. Churchill - 600ha and getting larger The main difference between now and Ash Wednesday in '83 is that the community are better prepared and informed.

DSE.0017.0113.0066 07-Feb-09 1435 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban across the state today. Contains details of threat/alert/advice messages. Updates on key fires. Travel Warnings. DSE.0013.0070.0066 DSE.0046.0375.0205 07-Feb-09 1440 Chief Officer Contact Alen Slijepcevic, Incident Management Logbook entry. Kilmore fun has major run into forest.

DSE.0017.0115.0133 07-Feb-09 1445 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#4), Kilmore East Fire. Grass and Scrub fire, burning 4 kilometres East of Kilmore, - south of Saunders Rd. Is burning in a southerly, direction and is estimated to be approx 1000 hectares in size. The communities of Hidden Valley may be DSE.HDD.0002.7492 directly impacted upon by this fire within 60 minutes. DSE.HDD.0002.7673

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1445 ABC 774 Melbourne, member of public: Rhonda. Churchill fire is enormous. Had friends in Jeeralang Junction and Jeeralang North who did not know that fire was coming upon them until somebody else rang them.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1450 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Steve Martin. Bunyip Ridge Fire - Urgent Threat Message for Garfield North, Tonimbuk, Labertouche, Robin Hood, Drouin West, Buln Buln, Tarago, Jindivick, Jindivick North, Longwarry, Longwarry North, Bunyip. Outskirts of Drouin are experiencing ember attack and heavy smoke. Remlaw Fire - Urgent Threat Message for Haven, McKenzie Creek, Bungalally and Green Lake. when wind change occurs communities on eastern side of Western Hwy will be under threat. Kilmore East Fire - Urgent Threat Message. Fire size approximately 638ha. Wandong may be directly impacted. Camperdown Danedite Road fire - threat to Scollers Road, Caters Road Settlement and Swan Marsh communities, residents need to enact their bushfire survival plans. Glendonald Road fire - communities of Hazelwood South and Jeeralang, Jeeralang North and Jeeralang Junction may be impacted upon by this fire.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1455 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Megan Flamer. Details of the extensive road closures.

DSE.0013.0070.0053 07-Feb-09 1455 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Contains an extensive list of all the current threat/alert/advice messages. DSE.0013.0070.0059 DSE.0017.0113.0053 DSE.0017.0113.0059 DSE.HDD.0002.2465 DSE.HDD.0002.2471

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1500 AM Radio, 3AW. Major bushfires are raging across Victoria this afternoon with at least five regions under direct threat from fire. Urgent threat messages have been issued for Coleraine near Hamilton, Vectis west of Horsham and Swan Marsh communities near Camperdown. Hazelwood South and Jeeralang in Gippsland are also under threat. DSE.0005.0020.0095 07-Feb-09 1500 DSE Initial Fire Report, Murrindindi # 37, Murrindindi Mill, 2km SE Murrindindi. DSE.0005.0020.0096 DSE.0011.0054.0118 DSE.0015.0088.0118

DSE.0017.0115.0132 07-Feb-09 1500 Joint Threat Message (#3), Camperdown-Danedite Road Fire. Crossed the Princes Hwy between Danedite Road and Johnstons Road, heading NE towards Pomborneit North. Residents between Danedite Road and Lake Corangamite areas are asked to implement DSE.HDD.0002.1437 their fire survival plans and stay alert for possible embers. Residents of Scollers Road, Carters Roads Settlement and Swan Marsh communities are advised to remain alert for burning embers and watch out for emergency service vehicles using local roads.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1500 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Mark de Bono. Bunyip Ridge fire has burnt more than 160ha. Bunyip, Longwarry and outskirts of Drouin are under ember attack. Warnings issued for Labertouche, Robin Hood, Jindivick and Tonimbuk. Fire south of Churchill is throwing embers towards Hazelwood South, Jeeralang, Jeeralang North, Balook, concerns are also held for Traralgon South. Fire from Kilmore East has burnt 640ha threatening Wandong North. Fire near Horsham is threatening communities and has burnt more than 300ha. Fire threatening properties in Haven, McKenzie Creek, Bungalally and Green lake. CFA has told many residents to enact their bushfire survival plans now. Coleraine fire is threatening residents of Muntham, Coleraine and Hilgay. Fire east of Camperdown is threatening residents on Scollers Road, Caters Road and Swan Marsh.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 7 WIT.002.002.0115 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description No Doc ID 1500 VBIL Overflow Process Deactivated. Centrelink stopped taking overflow phone calls from VBIL.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1502 AM Radio, 3AW. The Hume Hwy between Wallan and Broadford has been closed due to a grass fire threatening a pine plantation but no properties are under direct threat. DSE.0018.0121.0134 07-Feb-09 1505 State Duty Officer Andrew Graystone, logbook. Wandong fire will cross ICC boundaries. Threat messages for Kilmore fire

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1505 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Tonya Roberts. CFA have described 6 major fire across the state which are all burning in highly populated areas.

ABC reporter: Richard Stubbs If you are going to decide to leave you property you must leave it early. Don't wait.

Member of Public: Patrick from Warrnambool Temperature has dropped to about 25 degrees. No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1507 CenITex, Network Investigation. Network staff member advised that he had investigated the network and found that there was nothing down, everything was operating as it should. Desktop onsite staff member advised that ICC staff were transferring large amounts of data around level 4/8NS and to and from Fireweb. DSE.0040.0329.0389 07-Feb-09 1510 Joint Media Release, Remlaw Fire Horsham. Fire area approximately 1800ha. Road closures are currently in place. Asset damage has occurred. DSE.HDD.0002.1969

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1511 AM Radio, 3AW. Fire Alert. Elliott says there is a fire travelling in a south easterly direction. He says there is emergency relief at the Warragul Leisure Centre and Cardinia Cultural Centre. He says there are multiple road closures, including the Princes Fwy. He says the CFA says information is changing constantly and they have never seen anything like this. Gerald Quigley, Community Pharmacist, says he grew up in Gippsland and he used to be part of a fire brigade. He thinks people in the city do not really understand the dangers. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1514 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Steve Martin Camperdown Dandenite Road - Threat Message for the Pombomeit North area. Residents need to implement their bushfire survival plans. Scoullers Road and Caters Road and Swan Marsh communities, you are advised to remain alert for burning embers. Remlaw Road Fire - Haven, McKenzie Creek and Bungalally, Green lake communities under threat. Kilmore East - Threat Message declared. 638ha in size. Wandong may be directly impacted imminently. Hidden Valley may be directly impacted within 60 minutes. 1000ha in size. Bunyip Ridge Fire - Urgent Threat Message for Garfield North, Tonimbuk, Labertouche, Robin Hood, Drouin West, Buln Buln, Tarago, Jindivick, Jindivick North, Longwarry, Longwarry North, Buyip and the outskirts of Drouin townships who are experiencing ember attack and heavy smoke. Glendonald Road fire - communities of Hazelwood South, Jeeralang, Jeeralang North, Jeeralang Junction may be impacted upon by this fire. Coleraine Glenelg highway fire - Muntham, Coleraine and Hilgay are being warned of a threat. Camperdown Dandenite Road fire - those in Pombomeit need to implement their fire plans now. Scoullers Road, Caters Road Settlement and Swan Marsh DSE.0013.0070.0074 07-Feb-09 1515 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Contains an extensive list of all the current threat/alert/advice messages. DSE.0017.0113.0074 DSE.HDD.0002.2478 DSE.HDD.0002.2484

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1515 AM Radio, 3AW. Caller Ron says he is on the hills above Hidden Valley, looking out at the fire travelling south of Wandong. He describes where it is. he says he can see spot fires jumping ahead and it is absolutely hopeless. He says it is heading towards Whittlesea and Kinglake. DSE.0045.0362.0001 07-Feb-09 1517 DSE Initial Fire Report, Bendigo # 81, Redesdale - Coliban Park Rd, 9km W Redesdale. DSE.0011.0057.0037 DSE.0011.0057.0030 DSE.0003.0010.0046 DSE.0003.0010.0045 DSE.0003.0010.0043 DSE.0003.0010.0039

DSE.0018.0121.0135 07-Feb-09 1520 State Duty Officer Andrew Graystone, Incident Management Logbook entry. Wind change has hit Horsham fire. Fire has crossed Lahara Road and burnt through to Western Highway. Asset losses. Camperdown and Coleraine fires looking good.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1521 CenITex, 3rd Party Fault at Centrelink. Centrelink customers were unable to access Citrix. Jeremy from Centrelink IT unblocked our extranet website from their proxy SSL blocking system after 28 hrs.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1521 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: At this stage 6 major fires burning. One of the hottest days on record, with hot winds and extreme dryness.

No Doc ID 1525 VBIL Overflow Process Reinitiated. Centrelink began again taking overflow phone calls from VBIL

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1525 AM Radio, 3AW. Elliott is joined by Paul Bird, General Manger, National Electricity Market Management Company, or NEMMCO. Bird says there is a fire in the Bunyip state Forest and this fire is burning close to major transmission lines, so they are keeping a close eye on it. It may affect the lines, which would affect the power supply in general. Bird says the power flowing from Bass Link is working well. He says enough power is currently flowing through the grid without trouble.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1527 AM Radio, 3AW. Elliott is joined by Sally, who was at the Whittlesea Country Music Festival. Sally says the festival has been delayed this afternoon, because there is a fire hazard at the moment. Tonight's show has been cancelled. They will be in operation tomorrow, but she says roads are closed and there is only one way in or out, so people should not go. DSE.0039.0320.0155 07-Feb-09 1530 DSE Initial Fire Report, Midlands # 45, Bacchus Marsh Balliang Road, Bacchus Marsh Racecourse. (Page 4)

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1530 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Alicia Byrne. Bunyip Ridge fire - burnt 160ha, fire and embers being blown south. Bunyip and Longwarry under ember attack. Warnings for Labertouche, Robin Hood, Jindivick and Tonimbuk. Fire south of Churchill - throwing embers toward Hazelwood South, Jeeralang, Jeeralang North and Balook. Fire on edge of Horsham - burnt more than 300ha. Threatening Haven, McKenzie Creek, Bungalally and Green Lake. Kilmore East fire - burnt 640ha. CFA have confirmed home losses. Camperdown fire - Urgent Threat Message issued for Hidden Valley, Scollers Road, Caters Road Settlement and Swan Marsh

DSE.0011.0053.0196 07-Feb-09 1530 Joint Alert Message, Glendonald Road Fire. Burning in a SE direction and spreading rapidly. Madalya, Womerah, Callignee, Callignee South & North, Carrajung, Carrajung South and Won Wron may experience heavy smoke and ember attack from the main fire.

DSE.0011.0053.0199 07-Feb-09 1530 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Glendonald Road Fire. 600ha in size and burning in a SE direction and spreading rapidly. The communities of Hazelwood South, Jeeralang, Jeeralang North, Jeeralang Junction, Balook, Le Roy, Jumbuck, Valley View and Budgeree East DSE.0017.0115.0116 may be directly impacted upon by this fire. DSE.HDD.0002.0266

DSE.0016.0105.0044 07-Feb-09 1530 Joint Awareness Message (#2), Dargo-White Timber Spur. Burning 35 km NNW of Dargo, in East Gippsland . Now estimated to be 250 ha in size. This fire is not currently posing a threat to communities. DSE.0017.0115.0131 DSE.HDD.0002.0828

DSE.0017.0115.0129 07-Feb-09 1530 Joint Threat Message (#4), Camperdown-Danedite Road Fire. Residents, in the area of Harlocks Road, and between Danedite Road and Lake Corangamite are to implement their fire survival plans and stay alert for possible embers. Scollers Road, Carters Roads Settlement and Swan Marsh communities are advised to remain alert for burning embers and watch out for emergency service vehicles using local roads.

DSE.0017.0115.0130 07-Feb-09 1530 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#5), Kilmore East Fire. Grass and scrub fire, burning 4km East of Kilmore, S of Saunders Rd is burning in a southerly direction and is estimated to be 1400ha. Whittlesea may be directly impacted upon by this fire within 2 hours. DSE.HDD.0002.7493 DSE.HDD.0002.7674

DSE.HDD.0002.0262 07-Feb-09 1530 Joint Alert Message (#6), Glendonald Road Fire. Burning in a SE direction and spreading rapidly. Madalya, Womerah, Callignee, Callignee South & North, Carrajung, Carrajung South and Won Wron may experience heavy smoke and ember attack from the main fire.

DSE.0017.0115.0128 07-Feb-09 1532 Joint Awareness Message (#1), Initial Advice, Kilmore East Fire. A wildfire is burning in the Mt. Disappointment area north of Whittlesea township, in a SE. This fire is not currently posing a threat to communities of Whittlesea, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Humevale, Arthurs Creek. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1532 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Steve Martin. Remlaw fire - burnt 1800ha. CFA have confirmed asset losses.

ABC reporter: Tonya Roberts Hume Freeway closed between Wallan and Broadford due to low visibility from smoke. Further road closures listed due to Bunyip State Park fire.

CFA: John Haynes OESC, DHS, CFA an DSE are having a strategic planning unit meeting to discuss what the scenarios might be. In last ten minutes 4 fires have popped up. The wind change is not bringing much relief. The six major fires are Coleraine, Remlaw, Kilmore East, Weerite, Bunyip State Park and Churchill.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 8 WIT.002.002.0116 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.0017.0115.0127 07-Feb-09 1535 Joint Awareness Message (#1), Initial Advice, Redesdale-Coliban Park Road Fire . A fire is burning 9 km W of Redesdale, in grassland near Coliban Park Road, in a SE direction. This fire is not currently posing a threat to communities. Metcalfe, Metcalfe East, Barlold, DSE.0045.0361.0035 Langley and Redesdale areas should be aware of possible imminent fire threat. DSE.0045.0361.0036 DSE.0011.0057.0036

DSE.0067.0554.0049 07-Feb-09 1539 Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller, Incident Management Logbook entry. Fire started at Murrindindi Sawmill/Buxton. Kilmore fire into Mt Disappointment.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1542 AM Radio, 3AW. Live at the IGA Supermarket at Yarra Glen Caller Fad says there is a fire in Dandenong South. Elliot says these are unconfirmed by the CFA. DSE.0016.0094.0182 07-Feb-09 1545 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 49, Ferntree Gully - Quarry Rd, 1km NW of Upper Ferntree Gully.

DSE.0039.0320.0159 07-Feb-09 1545 DSE Initial Fire Report, Midlands # 46, Cobaw - Feehneys Lane, Benloch.

DSE.0011.0054.0117 07-Feb-09 1545 Joint Awareness Message, Initial Advice. A fire is burning 2km SE of Murrindindi, in a SE direction. This fire is not currently posing a threat to communities. DSE.0017.0115.0126 DSE.HDD.0002.0043 DSE.0017.0115.0114 07-Feb-09 1545 Joint Alert Message (#9), Bunyip Ridge Fire. The BoM is predicting a wind change from the current NNW direction to a SW direction at 7pm today. As a result of this wind change, the following alerts and threats are advised. DSE.0010.0052.0187 Before the change, the following towns should be on alert: Lardner, Ripplebrook, Bull Swamp, Ellinbank, Rokeby DSE.0034.0286.0533 DSE.HDD.0002.0554

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1546 CenITex, Network Investigation. Network staff member came onsite to 530CSat 1546. Testing from 530CS showed normal internet speed.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1546 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Richard Stubbs. We are a state under siege. There are at least six major fire fronts that are close to habitations.

SES: David Tuchek The strong hot winds will increase activity within the SES. If people do not need to be travelling then they really shouldn't be. Asking people to stay away from fire-affected areas.

ABC reporter: Steve Martin Urgent Threat Message for Hazelwood South, Jeeralang, Jeeralang North, Jeeralang Junction, Balook, Leroy, Jumbuk, Valley View and Budgeree East. Glendonald Road Fire is 600ha and spreading rapidly. Camperdown Danedite Fire - Urgent Threat Message for residents between Danedite Road and Lake Corangamite. Residents should implement their bushfire plans now. Kilmore East Fire - 1000ha in size. Hidden Valley may be directly impacted upon. Remlaw Road Fire - asset loss has occurred. Haven, McKenzie Creek, Bungalally and Green Lake are under threat. When wind changes communities east of the Western Hwy may be under threat. A fire is burning 9km W of Redesdale in grassland near Coliban park Road. Fire not currently posing a threat. Metcalfe, Metcalfe East, Barfold, Langley and Redesdale should be aware of possible imminent threat.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1546 ABC 774 Melbourne, Member of public: Sally Tregar. At Whittlesea. Lots of dust, wind and smoke. The two exits to Whittlesea have been blocked due to the fires.

ABC reporter: Richard Stubbs The smoke is so dense from the Bunyip Ridge fire that the radar think it's raining.

DSE.0016.0107.0011 07-Feb-09 1550 Joint Downgrade Message Urgent Threat to Alert (#4), PF13 Coleraine Glenelg Hwy Fire. The fire NW of Coleraine is not currently running. Estimated to be 770 ha. Coleraine and surrounding communities are no longer under direct threat from this fire, but still need to DSE.0017.0115.0113 remain alert due to a high level of fire activity still in the area. CFA Community Safety officers are also door-knocking residents.

DSE.0018.0121.0135 07-Feb-09 1551 State Duty Officer Andrew Graystone, Incident Management Logbook entry. Spoke with David Hayne. Saw mill fire is starting to build and is south of Murrindindi.

DSE.0011.0057.0035 07-Feb-09 1555 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Redesdale-Coliban Park Road Fire. Burning 9 km W of Redesdale, S of Lake Eppalock, in a SE direction and is developing quickly. Bariold, Langley and Metcalfe East may be directly impacted upon by this fire. DSE.0017.0115.0125 DSE.0045.0361.0034 DSE.0045.0361.0037

DSE.0017.0115.0112 07-Feb-09 1555 Joint Alert Message (#1), Quarry Road Fire Ferntree Gully. Grass and scrub fires in Quarry Road, Ferntree Gully, not currently posing a threat. Ferntree Gully and Upper Ferntree Gully communities need to be aware that fire activity in the area has increased and has the potential to impact directly.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1600 AM Radio, 3AW. There are reports homes may have been lost in a fire burning out of control in the Bunyip State Park east of Melbourne. The towns of Labertouche, Labertouche North and Tonimbuk are under direct threat from the fire. The townships of Drouin West, Jindavic and Longwarry are also under ember attack with spot fires breaking out.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1600 ABC 774 Melbourne, DSE Spokesperson Stuart Ord: the Kilmore East fire is a serious and imminent threat to the residents of Wandong and Hidden Valley. The fire is "gaining in size very very quickly" and people "should have already decided whether they're going to stay or leave. If they're going to leave they need to get out now well ahead of the fire".

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1600 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Peter Lonergan. Fire at Horsham has caused asset damage. Road closures have occurred.

ABC reporter: Mark Debono Fire south of Churchill has burnt 600ha. Towns of Hazelwood South, Jeeralang, Jeeralang North and Traralgon South are alerted, cool change may push fire further towards towns. Bunyip State Park fire is still going, with warnings to Labertouche, Jindivick, Neerim and Tonimbuk. Fire burning at Dargo is not threatening communities. Fire at Kilmore East is threatening Wandong and Hidden Valley. It has burnt more than 1000ha. DSE.0011.0053.0197 07-Feb-09 1600 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Glendonald Road Fire. Burning in a SE direction and spreading rapidly. The communities of Womerah and Macks Creek may be directly impacted by this fire. DSE.0017.0115.0111 DSE.HDD.0002.7396

DSE.0013.0070.0046 07-Feb-09 1600 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Contains an extensive list of all the current threat/alert/advice messages. DSE.0017.0113.0046 DSE.HDD.0002.2490 DSE.HDD.0002.2497

DSE.0017.0115.0120 07-Feb-09 1600 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Remlaw Fire. Burning W of Horsham City over 2000 ha. The expected wind change is currently coming through the Horsham area. Communities currently being impacted or under threat by the fire are Haven, McKenzie Creek, Bungalally, Green Lake and other communities on the eastern side of the Western Hwy between Drung Drung South and Horsham.

DSE.0017.0115.0121 07-Feb-09 1600 Joint Awareness Message (#2), Initial Advice, Smoke in Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges. The Regional Headquarters at Lilydale CFA wishes to advise the general community that grass and scrub fires burning in the Bunyip State Forest, Kilmore East and DSE.HDD.0002.0906 Murrindindi areas are creating large amounts of smoke with instances of burnt leaves dropping in these areas. Residents in the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges Eastern suburbs area may be experiencing smoke and burnt leaves dropping from these fires. Resident are advised to limit road travel where possible.

DSE.HDD.0002.0529 07-Feb-09 1600 Joint Urgent Threat Message, (#7), Glendonald Road Fire. Burning in a SE direction and spreading rapidly. The communities of Womerah and Macks Creek may be directly impacted by this fire.

DSE.HDD.0002.7375 07-Feb-09 1600 Fire Spread Prediction Report, Kilmore-Saunders Rd Fire. Assessment of the potential fire growth given the forecasted weather for the period 1400 hours to 2100 7 February 2009. This forecast will be updated after the next linescan if required. Baseline Assumptions and Notes: 1. The current burn area as shown on the accompanied map has a free running fire edge, i.e. no suppression or containment work has been conducted. The exception to this is that it has been assumed that the western flank of the fire will be held by the Epping Kilmore road. No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1600 Joint State Fire Situation Report.. DSE resources committed to fires: 569 personnel, 18 Tankers, 117 Slip-ons, 35 Bulldozers and 37 Aircraft. DSE has 11 Going Fires, 2 Contains and 84 Under Control. CFA has 95 going fires, 3 Contained and 6 Under Control. Current Significant Incidents includes Kilmore Saunders Road fire, with size 100ha, Bunyip State Park - Bunyip Ridge Track size 800ha, Coleraine Glenelg Highway with size 770ha, Remlaw Road fire with size 2500ha, Redesdale - Coliban Park Road fire 500ha, Weerite 350ha, Dargo - White Timber Spur 100ha. Delburn complex 6440ha and Ferntree Gully - Quarry Rd fire.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 9 WIT.002.002.0117 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1601 AM Radio, 3AW. Properties are under threat at Coleraine near Hamilton in the west of Victoria. Vectis just west of Horsham and Swan Marsh communities near Camperdown are also affected. Hazelwood South and Jeeralang in Gippsland are under threat as well. The Hume Hwy is closed between Wallan and Broadford. John Haynes, Deputy Chief Officer, CFA says there is fire spotting in Wandong. DSE.0010.0051.0046 07-Feb-09 1609 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Remlaw Fire at 1600hrs. Haven, McKenzie Creek, Bungalally, Green Lake and those between Drung Drung South and Horsham will be impacted or under threat by fire. Road closure information listed.

DSE.HDD.0002.7488 07-Feb-09 1610 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Kilmore East Fire. Burning in a southerly direction, approximately 1400ha. The communities of Clonbinane, Mt Disappointment, Kinglake, Heathcote Junction and Upper Plenty, Hume Vale, Reedy Creek, Strath Creek may be directly DSE.HDD.0002.7813 impacted upon by this fire.

DSE.0016.0106.0046 07-Feb-09 1614 Joint Alert Message, Wind Change at Bunyip Ridge Fire 1545hrs. The BoM is predicting a wind change from the current NNW direction to a SW direction at 7pm today. As a result of this wind change, the following alerts and threats are advised. Before the change, the following towns should be on alert: Lardner, Ripplebrook, Bull Swamp, Ellinbank, Rokeby.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1615 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC Reporter: ABC has set up it's own website with information about the fires, it also has links to the CFA and DSE websites but it is advised that these sites be used limitedly as they are experiencing a heavy load, particularly the DSE website is having problems.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1615 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Richard Stubbs. Cool change is simply dropping the temperature but not helping the firefighting effort as the fire flank becomes the fire front. Possible lightning overnight. For bushfire information call the VBIL however they are receiving a large number of calls so only call if you need to.

CFA: John Haynes Wind change will have a heavy impact on the fires. Very erratic fire behaviour. Quarry Road, Upper Ferntree Gully and Tremonte may be directly impacted by fire. Kilmore East fire is 1400ha, Clonbinane, Mount Disappointment, Kinglake, Heathcote Junction, Upper Hume, Hilldale, Reedy Creek maybe directly impacted on fire. Situation is getting worse and worse. Very concerned about power station due to Churchill fires. Reminder not to visit Bunyip to see the fires. Need to keep the roads clear for emergency services. Worse case scenario is that after the wind change the fires head in a NE direction.

Involved in firefighting: Ad Has never seen a weather forecast as extreme as this one. People need to take care across the state.

DSE.0014.0075.0029 07-Feb-09 1620 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 50, Yarra State Forest - Federal Short Cut, 10km ESE of Warburton.

DSE.0020.0201.0005 07-Feb-09 1620 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 51, O'Shannassy - Road 8, 12km S of Marysville.

DSE.0013.0070.0039 07-Feb-09 1620 External Website Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Contains an extensive list of all the current threat/alert/advice messages. DSE.0017.0113.0039 DSE.HDD.0002.2504

DSE.0011.0053.0198 07-Feb-09 1630 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#7), Glendonald Road Fire. Burning in a SE direction and spreading rapidly. Devon North and Yarram may be directly impacted by this fire. DSE.HDD.0002.0530

DSE.0016.0104.0019 07-Feb-09 1630 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Quarry Road Fire Ferntree Gully. Burning on the S side of Quarry Road, Upper Ferntree Gully. Estimated to be 4 ha. Residents of Quarry Road Upper Ferntree Gully and the communities of Upper Ferntree Gully, Ferntree Gully and Tremont may be directly impacted upon by this fire.

DSE.0017.0115.0110 07-Feb-09 1630 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Redesdale - Coliban Park Road. The communities of Barfold, Langley and Metcalfe East may be impacted directly by the fire. The fire does not pose a direct threat to the communities of Sidonia, Pastoria and other communities east of DSE.0045.0361.0033 Kyneton, but these residents should enact their fire plans. Fire is moving rapidly. Fire area approximately 400ha DSE.0016.0107.0036 DSE.0017.0115.0108 07-Feb-09 1630 Urgent threat messages (#11), Bunyip Ridge Fire. Towns of Drouin and Jindivick are experiencing ember attack and heavy smoke due to containment lines being broken and heavy spotting.

DSE.0002.0005.0094 07-Feb-09 1635 DSE Initial Fire Report, Noojee # 11, Neerim - Red Hill, 20km SW Noojee.

DSE.0017.0115.0107 07-Feb-09 1636 Joint Urgent threat message, Quarry Road Fire - Ferntree Gully. Fire size approximately 4ha. The residents of Quarry Road Upper Ferntree Gully and the communities of Upper Ferntree Gully, Ferntree Gully and Tremont may be directly impacted upon by this fire.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1640 DSE Initial Fire Report, Bendigo # 82, Eaglehawk - Bracewell St, 1km W Eaglehawk.

DSE.0016.0107.0007 07-Feb-09 1640 Joint Media Release (#5) , Camperdown - Danedite Road Fire. Residents of Harlocks Road are advised to remain on full alert. Road closures are listed. Residents between Danedite Road and Lake Corangamite should implement their bushfire survival plans and stay DSE.0016.0107.0008 alert for possible embers. Residents of Scollers Road, Carters Roads Settlement and Swan Marsh communities are advised to remain alert for burning embers and watch out for emergency service vehicles using local roads. DSE.HDD.0002.0586 DSE.0016.0108.0236 07-Feb-09 1640 Joint Urgent Message. "Fire agencies are urging people to keep the roads clear. Today is not the day to travel."

DSE.0017.0115.0106 07-Feb-09 1640 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Kilmore East Fire. Communities of Whittlesea, Humevale, Arthurs Creek, Nutfield and Doreen will be directly impacted upon by this fire.

DSE.0013.0070.0025 07-Feb-09 1645 External Web Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Contains an extensive list of all the current threat/alert/advice messages. DSE.0013.0070.0032 DSE.0017.0113.0025 DSE.0017.0113.0032 DSE.HDD.0002.1803 DSE.HDD.0002.2511

DSE.0016.0106.0082 07-Feb-09 1645 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Glendonald Road Fire - Womerah and Macks Creek. Burning in a SE direction and spreading rapidly. Communities of Womerah and Macks Creek may be directly impacted by this fire.

DSE.0017.0115.0104 07-Feb-09 1645 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Murrindindi Mill fire. Burning in a SE direction and is spotting well ahead of the fire. The community of Narbethong can expect to come under direct ember attack from this fire. DSE.HDD.0002.0033 DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1647 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Tonya Roberts. Urgent Threat Message for the Murrindindi Mill fire, moving in a SE direction. Narbethong can expect to come under direct ember attack. The VBIL have now set up a recorded messages prior to speaking to someone to manage incoming calls. Asking public to not call the ABC unless necessary as they may be blocking incoming calls from CFA and DSE. An extensive description of road closures is given.

ABC reporter: Steve Martin Glendonald Road and Max Creek fires - Urgent Threat Message issued. Communities of Wimmera and and Max Creek may be directly impacted. Fire rapidly spreading in a SE directly. Upper Ferntree Gully fire - Urgent Threat Message. 4ha in size. Quarry Road Upper Ferntree Gully, Upper Ferntree Gully and Frentree Gully, Tremont may be directly impacted. Remlaw fire - direclty impacting communities of Haven, McKenzie Creek, Bungalally, Green Lake and other communities on the eastern side of the western highway between Drung Drung south and Horsham. Redesdale fire - communities of Barfold, Langley and Metford East may be directly impacted. Communities of Sedonia Pastoria and those east of Kyneton are not under direct threat but they need to remain alert. Dargo White Timber Spur - not currently posing a threat to communities. Fire burning at Mt Dissapointment - Urgent Threat Message for Whittlesea and surrounds.Whittlesea, Humevale, Arthurs Creek, Nutfield, Eden park and Dorreen may be directly impacted and have been issued with an Urgent Threat Message.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1647 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC broadcast, Member of public: Kim. Father is a fire fighter. He said that the conditions are "really really bad". Wind change will mean they are in direct path of the fire, they are staying and fighting for their home.

Member of public: Romney Informing the public that Clonbinane is on fire right now.

DSE.0016.0107.0020 07-Feb-09 1655 Joint Awareness Message (#1) , Bracewell Street Eaglehawk for Maiden Gully . Burning in the vicinity of Bracewell Street Eaglehawk in a SE direction. CFA and DSE units are currently responding to this fire. The fire could be generating large amounts of smoke. DSE.HDD.0002.4509 No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1700 AM Radio, 3AW. Fire authorities have warned the next eight hours are critical, with the major Bunyip Ridge fire out of control near Pakenham, threatening Labertouche, Labertouche north and Tonimbuk. North-westerly winds are fanning the flames, Longwarry, Jindivick and Drouin West suffering threat from embers. David Nugent, deputy incident controller, DSE, says crews are bracing for a wind change, which will be at a dangerous event, threatening Crossover, Buln Buln east, Neerim South and Neerim. The fire has come within 1km of powerlines supplying some of Melbourne's power. The Princes Hwy is closed, with emergency relief centres at the Warrigal Leisure Centre and Cardinia Cultural Centre. DSE.0016.0094.0240 07-Feb-09 1700 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 52, Warramate - Warramate Hill Rd, 5km N of Seville. (Page 3)

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 10 WIT.002.002.0118 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1700 Significant Incident Situation Report - Bushfire and Heatwave Status. Fire situation is changing and escalating rapidly across the state. Report outlines the current situation for the major fires around the State. Describes assistance provided by VICSES. Outlines the transport situation, provides community information, closure of regional hospitals and a summary of media information.

DSE.0010.0052.0189 07-Feb-09 1700 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Bunyip Ridge fire for Drouin and Jindivick. Are experiencing ember attack and heavy smoke due to containment lines being broken and heavy spotting. Road closure information. DSE.0016.0106.0044 DSE.HDD.0002.1227

DSE.0016.0104.0012 07-Feb-09 1700 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#1), Train Trak Vineyard fire for Yarra Glen. Fire area approximately 30 hectares. Residents in the vicinities will experience ember attack. Residents are advised to implement their bush fire plans.

DSE.0016.0106.0081 07-Feb-09 1700 Joint Alert Message (#10), Alert Message for Woodside, Alberton, Tarraville, Marins Beach, Robertsons Beach, Woodside Beach, McLoughlins Beach. Burning in a SE direction and spreading rapidly. DSE.HDD.0002.0101 DSE.0011.0053.0193 DSE.0011.0053.0194

DSE.0016.0107.0015 07-Feb-09 1700 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Remlaw Fire. Fire burning W, will soon change to a SW direction. Is currently impacting the Drung Drung South area. Communities within the Dooen Riverside and Longerenong areas can expect to see increased fire activity over the next two hours. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 17:00 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Lisa Maxsimovic. Glendonald fire - emergency warning for this fire. It's heading towards the coast and town of Yarram. Concerned about wind change pushing fire toward Sale. Fire alerts for Bunyip fire for towns of Warragul, Drouin, Tonimbuk and Labertouche. Certainly a number of houses are under threat from this fire. The Churchill fire is threatening the power station. Horsham blaze is threatening towns of Haven, McKenzie Creek, Bungalally and Green Lake. Expected to threaten communities of Drung South, Longeron, Drung and Riverside. Fire burning between Kilmore East and Whittlesea has burnt 1400ha. Residents of Wandong and Hidden Vallley are warned to prepare for fire. Ugent threat message for Barfold, Langley and Metcalfe East. Coliban park road fire has residents warned for embers. Dargo fire is not currently posing a threat tocommunties but drivers are asked to avoid High Planes Road. Narre Warren North fire has caused road closures. Updates on road closures given. CFA has declared a total fire ban today.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1700 CenITex, Network Investigation. VAP group on external firewall was reloaded at approx 1700. This was due to high memory usage on the firewall and should have sped up external internet somewhat. A 10-15 second internet outage was incurred (approved by SDM and Fire Mgt) No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1701 AM Radio, 3AW. Residents in towns across Vic are being told to enact fire plans. The Kilmore East fire is 1400ha, with urgent threat messages in place for Hidden Valley and Whittlesea residents. Yarra Glen could come under threat from embers, due to a fire near Kinglake. The fire near Horsham at Vectis has destroyed at least three homes, and possibly also the Horsham golf clubs and sheds. And urgent threat message is underway for Quarry Rd, Ferntree Gully, with Devon North and Yarram warned to have fire plans in place. Deborah Trott(*), Wandong resident, described the scene from her kitchen window, her whole yard burnt. No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1703 AM Radio, 3AW. Over 80 train services were cancelled today in the heat, with buses replacing Alamein, Glen Waverley, Williamstown services and trains between Cranbourne and Dandenong. A fire at Ferntree Gully is causing disruption.

DSE.0010.0051.0044 07-Feb-09 1704 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Remlaw Fire. Communities of Dooen, Riverside and Longerenong can expect increased fire activity over the next two hours and are urged to implement their bushfire survival action plan.

DSE.0016.0104.0018 07-Feb-09 1710 Joint Downgrade Message - Urgent Threat to Alert (#3), Quarry Road Fire, Upper Ferntree Gully. Burning on the southern side Quarry Road, Upper Ferntree Gully. Approximately 4ha. The residents of Quarry Road and Acacia Road Upper Ferntree Gully and the communities of Upper Ferntree Gully, Ferntree Gully and Tremont are no longer under direct threat from this fire, but still need to remain alert due to a high level of fire activity still in the area.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 17:10 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Steve Martin. Remlaw fire - Drouin riverside and Longeron can expect increased fire activity. Glendonald Road fire is spreading rapidly. Woodside, Alberton, Teraville, Mans Beach, Robertson Beach and Woodside Beach, McCloughins Beach may experience heavy smoke and ember attack. Redesdale Park road fire is 400ha. Communities of Barfold, Langley and Metcalf East may be impacted directly by this fire. Murrindindi Mill fire is spotting well ahead. Narbethong can expect to come under direct ember attack. Upper Ferntree Gully fire may directly impact Upper Ferntree Gully, Ferntree Gully and Tremont. Whittlesea fire may directly impact Whittlesea, Windvale, Arthurs Creek, Nutfield, Eaton Park and Doreen. Kilmore fire may directly impact Hidden Valley. The fires are changing quickly and we are "scrambling" to keep up to date. Bracewell street fire means that residents in Maiden Gully should activate their fire plans.

DSE.0017.0115.0100 07-Feb-09 1710 Joint Alert Message, Yarra Valley. Residents of the Yarra Valley may come under direct ember attack. DSE.HDD.0002.0634 DSE.HDD.0002.0635 DSE.0017.0115.0101 07-Feb-09 1710 Joint Downgrade Message - Urgent Threat to alert, Quarry Road Fire - Upper Ferntree Gully. Burning on the southern side Quarry Road, Upper Ferntree Gully. Approximately 4ha. The residents of Quarry Road and Acacla Road Upper Ferntree Gully and the communities of Upper Ferntree Gully Ferntree Gully and Tremont are no longer under direct threat from this fires but still need to remain alert due to a high level of fire activity still in the area.

DSE.0017.0115.0102 07-Feb-09 1710 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Remlaw Fire. Burning West, will soon change to a SW direction. Is currently impacting the Drung Drung South area. Communities within the Dooen, Riverside and Longerenong areas can expect to see increased fire activity over the next two hours and are urged to implement their bushfire survival action plan.

DSE.0017.0115.0103 07-Feb-09 1710 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#1), Train Trak Vineyard Fire. Fire approximately 30ha. Residents in vicinity will experience ember attack. Residents are advised to implement their bushfire plans.

DSE.HDD.0002.0148 07-Feb-09 1710 Urgent Threat Message (#11), Glendonald Road Fire. Burning in a SE direction and spreading rapidly. The communities of Alberton, Tarraville, Port Albert, Langsborough, Manns Beach, Robertsons Beach may be directly impacted by this fire. DSE.HDD.0002.7397

DSE.0008.0037.0001 07-Feb-09 1711 Total Fire Ban Notification. No fires can be lit in the open air from midnight on 7/2/09 until midnight on 8/2/09.

DSE.0039.0320.0162 07-Feb-09 1713 DSE Initial Fire Report, Midlands # 47, Long Forest - Long Forest Road, Long Forest.

DSE.HDD.0002.0034 07-Feb-09 1715 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Murrindindi Mill fire. Burning in a SE direction and is spotting well ahead of the fire. The communities of Narbethong, Marysville and Buxton can expect to come under direct attack from this fire. Healesville residents are advised to remain on high alert for prospect of ember attack. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1715 ABC reporter: Richard Stubbs. Comprehensive update on traffic. "Very complex list".

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1718 ABC broadcast, CFA: Greg Esnouf. Larger fires includes: the 400ha Redesdale fire, Kilmore Wandong fire is over 1400ha, Murrindindi and Kilmore fires are spotting significantly. Bunyip fire spreading also, Churchill fire is active. We do not have enough man power on a day like today. At this stage, no direct attack is possible, it's all about asset protection. Urge public not to drive near fires, roads will be busy and may have many obstructions.

DSE.0046.0375.0206 07-Feb-09 1720 Chief Officer Contact Alen Slijepcevic, Incident Management Logbook entry. Murrindindi Fire has cross the Maroondah Highway - Narbethong.

DSE.HDD.0002.7452 07-Feb-09 1720 Joint Fire Information Media Release. Camperdown - Danedite Road Fire. Residents in the area of harlocks Road are still advised to remain on full alert

DSE.0017.0115.0095 07-Feb-09 1720 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#7), Kilmore East Fire. The communities in the area of Kinglake to Flowerdale may be directly impacted upon by this fire. Fire area approximately 4000ha. DSE.HDD.0002.7482 DSE.HDD.0002.7484 DSE.HDD.0002.7675 DSE.HDD.0002.7677

DSE.0017.0115.0099 07-Feb-09 1720 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Redesdale - Coliban Park Road. Burning to the SE, approximately 2000ha. The communities of Barfold, Langley Metcalfe East, Pastoria and other communities to the east of Kyneton may be impacted directly by this fire. Residents in the DSE.0045.0361.0032 Pipers Creek, Carlsruhe, Woodend North, Newham, Cadello and Carbor areas are advised to be alert and implement their fire plans. This fire continues to move rapidly. DSE.0045.0361.0038

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1720 CenITex, Network Investigation. Vikram contacted the ISP at 1720 to get them to check their end for slowness.

DSE.0010.0052.0180 07-Feb-09 1729 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Bunyip Ridge Fire for Drouin and Jindivick due to containment lines being broken and heavy spotting. Road closure information.

DSE.0067.0554.0050 07-Feb-09 1730 Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller, Incident Management Logbook entry. "Mayday calls at Whittlesea???"

DSE.0013.0070.0017 07-Feb-09 1730 External Web Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Contains an extensive list of all the current threat/alert/advice messages . DSE.0017.0013.0017 DSE.HDD.0002.1810

DSE.0016.0106.0042 07-Feb-09 1730 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#12), Bunyip Ridge Fire. The towns of Brandy Creek, Buln Buln, Rokeby, Tarago, Jindivick West, Jindivick North, Neerim Junction, Neerim, Rosworth, Neerim East, Neerim South, Crossover, Shady Creek, Nayook and Nilma North are DSE.0017.0115.0091 experiencing ember attack and heavy smoke. DSE.HDD.0002.1229

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 11 WIT.002.002.0119 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.0017.0115.0092 07-Feb-09 1730 Urgent Threat Message (#12), Glendonald Road Fire. The communities of Devon North, Yarram, Calrossie, Alberton, Tarraville, Port Albert, Langsborough, Manns Beach, Robertsons Beach may be directly impacted by this fire. Campers in the area coastal area DSE.HDD.0002.0177 between Port Albert and Woodside Beach are advised to seek shelter and not to try to out run the fire.

DSE.0017.0115.0093 07-Feb-09 1730 Joint Media Release. Urging people to stay keep roads clear and that today is not the day to travel. There is a lot of smoke, and emergency vehicle traffic. People should not attempt to travel long distances. Even after cool change has come through it is still dangerous to travel. DSE.HDD.0002.0552 07-Feb-09 1730 Joint Alert Message (#3), Dargo - White Timber Spur. Burning 25 to 30 kilometres NNW of Dargo in a SE direction and is estimated to be approximately 650 hectares in size. The communities of Bullumwaal, Mount Taylor, Clifton and Sarsfield need to be aware that fire activity in the area has increased and has the potential to impact directly. There may be burnt leaves falling in these areas ahead of the fire. Spotting has occurred near the junction of the Dargo High Plains Road and Ritchies Road.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1730 CenITex, Network Investigation. ISP confirmed a heavy load on the internet link that was degrading service at approx 1730.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1730 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Eliza Burns. Glendonald fire - warnings issued to Devon North and Yarram. Bunyip fire - alerts for warrigal, Drouin, Tonimbuk and Labertouche. Horsham fire - threat message for Haven, McKenzie Creek, Bungalally, Green Lake. Drung South, Longerenong, Drouin and Riverside. Urgent threat for Barfold, Langley and Metcalfe East. Coliban park fire moving SE. Urgent threat for Yarra Glen. Drouin and Jindivick are under ember attack.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1734 ABC 774 Melbourne, DSE: Darren Skelton. Existing threat message for Narbethong due to Murrindindi Mill fire, however this threat message is extended to communities of Marysville and Buxton who are expected to come under direct attack from this fire. If you are not in danger then stay in your house and keep the roads clear. Healesville residents are asked to stay on alert due to spotting potential from Kilmore or Narbethong fires.

Member of public: Jim from Tanjil South Had embers fly into his pool from Churchill fire. Gone very dark. Lightning, smoke and dust. DSE.0017.0115.0098 07-Feb-09 1738 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#2), Train Trak Vineyard Fire. Fire approximately 30ha. Residents in vicinity will experience ember attack. Additional road closures implemented. Residents are advised to implement their bushfire plans

DSE.0067.0554.0050 07-Feb-09 1739 Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller, Incident Management Logbook entry. "NP's office at Kinglake burnt down. Spotting into Marysville"

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1740 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 53, Red Hill - McIIroys Road, 8km SE Dromana.

DSE.0010.0052.0181 07-Feb-09 1743 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Bunyip State Park for Brandy Creek, Buln Buln, Rokeby, Tarago, Jindivick West, Jindivick North, Neerim Junction, Neerim, Rosworth, Neerim East, Neerim South, Crossover, Shady Creek, Nayook and Nilma North.

DSE.0020.0201.0011 07-Feb-09 1745 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 54, Healesville - Maroondah Reservoir Park, 2km E of Healesville.

DSE.0013.0070.0010 07-Feb-09 1745 External Web Update. Total Fire Ban for entire state today. Contains an extensive list of all the current threat/alert/advice messages. DSE.0017.0113.0010 DSE.HDD.0002.2518 DSE.HDD.0002.2525

DSE.0017.0115.0090 07-Feb-09 1745 Joint Alert Message (#13), Bunyip Ridge Fire. Even though the fire is not currently posing a threat, the communities of Whites Corner, Piedmont, Noojee and Neerim North need to be aware that fire activity in the area has increased and has the potential to impact DSE.HDD.0002.0569 directly. DSE.HDD.0002.1231

DSE.0045.0361.0028 07-Feb-09 1745 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Redesdale - Coliban Park Road Fire. Estimated to be over 400ha. A strong, wind change from the south west is expected in the area imminently. The head of the fire is currently at Annex Lane, South of Sidonia. The communities of DSE.0045.0361.0030 Barfold, Langley, Metcalfe East, Pastoria and other communities to the east of Kyneton may be impacted directly by this fire. Residents in the Pipers Creek, Carisruhe, Woodend North, Newham, Cadello and Carbor areas are advised to be alert and implement their DSE.0045.0361.0039 fire plans. When the wind change residents in the following localities need to be alert and implement their fire plans. Redesdale, Glenhope, Baynton and Baynton East. Residents in the areas between Glenhope, Baynton, Redesdale, Heathcote, Tooborac and Pyalong.

DSE.HDD.0002.0035 07-Feb-09 1745 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Murrindindi Mill fire. Burning in a SE direction and is spotting well ahead of the fire. The fire is now directly impacting on Narbethong. The communities of Marysville and Buxton can expect to come under direct attack from this fire. Healesville residents are advised to remain on high alert for the prospect of ember attack.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1748 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Jonathan Ridnell, Maiden Gully fire - residents of Maiden Gully and Long Gully are asked to implement their fire plans. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1750 ABC 774 Melbourne. Member of public: Simon from Narre Warren. Is seeing neighbouring houses to his property burn.

Member of public: Andrew in Traralgon. Is witnessing the Churchill fire. It is flaring up on the Eastern side coming back downs the Loyang side of the Jeeralang area.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1755 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Tonya Roberts Today is a day of Total Fire Ban for Victoria. CFA remind public that now is time to implement your bushfire plan.

ABC reporter: Richard Stumps Comprehensive traffic information.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1757 CenITex, Power Outage. Woori Yallock [DPI/DSE] / site lost network connectivity. Customers were unable to access network files and resources. Power was restored to the site after 13mins.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1800 AM Radio, 3 AW. Fire crews at the Bunyip Ridge fire are expecting the worst when south westerly winds hit in the next hour. One home has already been destroyed. The Princess Highway has been closed and the CFA warned that towns may come under threat. David Nugent from the DSE said the blaze came close to major power lines.

DSE.HDD.0002.7450 07-Feb-09 1800 Fire Information Media Release. Camperdown - Danedite Road Fire. Residents in the area of harlocks Road are advised to remain on full alert.

DSE.HDD.0002.1866 07-Feb-09 1800 Joint Downgrade Message - Alert to Final Advice, PF13 - Coleraine Glenelg Highway Fire. Fire contained. Estimated size 770ha. Township of Coleraine and surrounds no longer need to be on alert as fire activity has subsided.

DSE.0004.0015.0091 07-Feb-09 1800 DSE Initial Fire Report, Erica # 9, East Tyers - Thomson, 2km North Rawson.

DSE.0004.0015.0064 07-Feb-09 1800 DSE Initial Fire Report, Erica # 10, O'Tooles, 18km North of Rawson.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 18:00 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Alicia Burne Fires are threatening homes and townships. Emergency Crews are stretched. Power supply at La Trobe Valley could be affected due to Glendonald fire. Kilmore fire burnt 4000ha. Wandong, Heathcote and Upper Plenty are threatened. Maiden gully fire is approaching built up parts of the city.

ABC reporter: Mark Dibono Spotting well ahead of main fire fronts may occur at Devon North, Yarram, Kalrossie, Alberton, tarravale, Port Albert, Manns Beach and Robertsons Beach.

ABC reporter: Peter Lennigan Horsham fire has reached 2000ha. Threatening communities of Drung, Drung South, Longronong, Riverside and Dooen.

ABC reporter: Gus Goswell Redesdale fire - communities of Barfold, Langley and Metcalfe East may be affected. Murrindindi fire is threatening Narbethong. Quarry road fire is threatening Upper Ferntree Gully, Ferntree Gully and Tremont. DSE.0017.0115.0088 07-Feb-09 1800 Joint Alert Message (#13), Glendonald Road Fire. The Glendonald Road fire is currently burning in a SE direction and is still spreading rapidly. The predicted SW wind change is imminent. The communities of Willung South, Willung, Stradbroke, Stradbroke West, DSE.HDD.0002.0201 Giffard West, Darriman, Hiamdale & Gormandale. may experience heavy smoke and ember attack from the main fire when the wind changes.

DSE.0017.0115.0089 07-Feb-09 1800 Joint Media Release, Victorians to brace for the worst. Victorians are warned to prepared to be impacted by fire over the next four hours. People should prepare for ember attack as the cool change passes through. Significant smoke will occur and people should avoid DSE.HDD.0002.7544 travelling long distances. Listen to ABC and local radio for information updates. Asking people to stay home.

DSE.HDD.0002.0212 07-Feb-09 1800 Alert message (#14), Delburn Complex Fire. The Delburn Complex fire has increased in activity due to the weather conditions. The community of Driffield may be impacted by smoke and embers.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1801 AM Radio, 3AW. Victoria is on high alert with the number of towns under direct threat of fire growing. Three homes were lost near Horsham and fire destroyed the Horsham Golf Club and sheds. A blaze at Kilmore East is also threatening homes. No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1802 AM Radio, 3AW. Hillsfield residents have been warned of ember attacks and Woodside, Alberton and Tarraville are under threat from fire. A 30 hectare fire broke out in the Train Trak Vineyard area near Yarra Glen. The state's power supply is under threat from the fires. No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1803 AM Radio, 3AW. Fire has caused road closures including the Eastlink Tollway, Hume Freeway, Princess Freeway, Western Highway and Princess Highway.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 12 WIT.002.002.0120 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.0017.0115.0105 07-Feb-09 1809 Joint Media Release. Camperdown - Danedite Road Fire. Residents in the area of harlocks Road are advised to remain on full alert

DSE.0016.0104.0017 07-Feb-09 1810 Joint Alert Message (#4), Quarry Road Fire Ferntree Gully. Estimated to be 5 hectares in size. Even though the fire is not currently posing a threat, the residents of Quarry Road, Upper Ferntree Gully, residents west of Dandenong Ranges National Park, Ferntree Gully, DSE.HDD.0002.0711 Upper Ferntree Gully, Tremont and Ferny Creek need to be aware of increased fire activity in the area that has the potential to impact directly.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1815 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: John Fane. DSE issued Urgent Threat Message for Murrindindi Mill fire. Narbethong is being directly impacted. Marysville and Buxton can expect to come under direct attack. Healesville is advised to remain on high alert.

BoM: Terry Ryan The cloud from the top of the bushfire is feeding lightning strikes back into the fire. Strong winds as change came through. Little rain.

DSE.0016.0104.0024 07-Feb-09 1815 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#2), for Yarra Valley residents. Yarra Valley residents are advised to active their bush fire plans immediately. DSE.HDD.0002.7507

DSE.0067.0548.0011 07-Feb-09 1815 Fire Weather Meteorologist Kevin Parkyn, Incident Management Logbook entry. Spoke to Phil King - Wind change is slow to be updated.

DSE.0017.0115.0084 07-Feb-09 1815 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#4), Murrindindi Mill fire. Burning in a SE direction and is spotting well ahead of the fire. The fire is now directly impacting on Narbethong. The communities of Marysville and Buxton can expect to come under direct attack from this fire. DSE.HDD.0002.0036 Healesville residents are advised to remain on high alert for the prospect of ember attack.

DSE.0001.0004.0095 07-Feb-09 1820 DSE Initial Fire Report, Ovens # 39, Beechworth - Library Rd, 8km S Beechworth. DSE.0011.0058.0127

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 18:20 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Mary-Jane Feddick. Comprehensive traffic and transport update.

Member of public: Sid from Harkaway Update on Harkaway Village Fire. It's on the north side of the village. It seems that fire fighters are getting on top of it.

DSE.HDD.0002.0269 07-Feb-09 1820 Joint Media Release, Glendonald Road Fire. Emergency Relief Centres have been established at the following locations: Yarram Secondary College, James Street Yarram. Sale Baptist Church, Princess Highway Sale Traralgon Little Theatre, Grey Street Traralgon.

DSE.0067.0554.0050 07-Feb-09 1823 Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller, Incident Management Logbook entry. "People trapped at Neerim South???"

DSE.0017.0115.0097 07-Feb-09 1825 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#1), Wandong. Fire area approximately 1000ha. Communities of Wandong, Wallan, Wallan East, Eden Park and Whittlesea, Humevale, Bruces Creek, Upper Plenty, Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek, Smiths Gully, Kinglake, Flowerdale, Glenburn, Hurstbridge may be directly impacted upon by this fire.

DSE.0016.0104.0008 07-Feb-09 1829 Joint Alert Message (#1), Crawley Road Fire. Burning in a NE direction and is estimated to be 20ha. Even though the fire is not currently posing a threat, the communities of Hyde Hill Rd, Chadwick Rd and Boundary Rd in Harkaway need to beware that fire activity in DSE.HDD.0002.1826 the area will increase and has the potential to impact directly.

DSE.0002.0005.0106 07-Feb-09 1830 DSE Initial Fire Report, Noojee # 10, Noojee - Redfords, 30km NW Noojee.

DSE.0020.0201.0008 07-Feb-09 1830 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 55, Brittania Creek - Brittania range Tk & Alice Tk, 2km NE of Gladysdale.

DSE.0003.0009.0283 07-Feb-09 1830 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 56, South Morang - Plenty Gorge, Hawkestowe Park. DSE.0016.0094.0243

DSE.0013.0070.0002 07-Feb-09 1830 External Web Update. Total Fire Ban for today. Yarra valley residents are advised to activate their bushfire plans immediately. Contains an extensive list of all the current threat/alert/advice messages. DSE.0017.0113.0002 DSE.HDD.0002.2532 DSE.HDD.0002.2540

DSE.0016.0104.0023 07-Feb-09 1830 Joint Urgent Threat Message, (#1), Chum Creek. Chum Creek residents are advised they are under direct threat. DSE.HDD.0002.1535

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1830 CenItex, Network Investigation. Checks of internal equipment at approx 1830 also showed link saturation due to data upload.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1832 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Alicia Burnes. Urgent Threat Message for Scholars road, Caters Road Settlement, Swan Marsh and Lake Corangamite. Residents of Harlocks Road are to remain on alert. Urgent threat message for Alberton, Tarraville, Port Albert, Langsborough, Manns Beach and Robertsons Beach due to the Glendonald Fire. Towns of Barford, Langly, Metcalf East, Pastoria and other communities to the east of Kyneton are also under threat. Redesdale fire has burnt 2000ha. Day for Total Fire Ban today.

DSE.0017.0115.0085 07-Feb-09 1832 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#2), for Yarra Valley residents, Are advised to activate their bush fire plans immediately.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 18:35 ABC 774 Melbourne, NEMCO: Peter Batchelor. The Churchill fire if it changes direction could threaten another power station at the La Trobe Valley.

DSE.0045.0361.0026 07-Feb-09 1840 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Redesdale Coliban Park Road Fire. A strong, wind change from the SW is expected in the area imminently. The head of the fire is currently at Sidonia. The communities of Barfold, Langley, Metcalfe East, Pastoria and other communities DSE.0045.0361.0040 to the east of Kyneton may be impacted directly by this fire. Residents in the Pipers Creek, Carlsruhe, Woodend North, Newham, Cadello and Carbor areas are advised to be alert and implement their fire plans. When the wind change arrives at the fire it will run in a NE direction, and residents in the following localities need to be alert and implement their fire plans. Redesdale, Glenhope, Baynton and Baynton East. Residents in the areas between Glenhope, Baynton, Redesdale and Heathcote, Tooborac, Pyalong need to be aware that these communities may also be under threat when the wind change passes through.

DSE.HDD.0002.7446 07-Feb-09 1845 Joint Threat Downgrade to Alert Message, Camperdown - Danedite Road Fire now known as the Weerite - Danedite Road Fire. Residents between Danedite Road and Lake Corangamite areas, Scollers Road, Carters Roads Settlement and Swan Marsh communities are asked to remain alert over night and ask that the Harlocks Road residents to remain vigilant for any breakouts of fire around properties.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1842 CenITex, Power Outage. Beechworth [DSE] / lost network connectivity to the site. Customers were unable to access network files and resources. Power was restored to the site after 4 hrs.

DSE.0017.0115.0077 07-Feb-09 1845 Joint Urgent threat Message (#15), Parks Corner Fire. A new fire has started East of the Walhalla Township near the Thompson Dam. The communities of Rawson, Erica & Walhalla. may be directly impacted by this new fire. DSE.HDD.0002.0218

DSE.0017.0115.0078 07-Feb-09 1845 Joint Threat Downgrade to Alert Message (#8), Camperdown - Danedite Road Fire. Residents between Danedite Road and Lake Corangamite areas, Scollers Road, Carters Roads Settlement and Swan Marsh communities are asked to remain alert over night and ask that the Harlocks Road residents to remain vigilant for any breakouts of fire around properties.

DSE.0017.0115.0079 07-Feb-09 1845 Joint Downgrade Message - Urgent Threat to Alert (#6), Remlaw Fire. Estimated to be 5694 hectares in size. Fire fighters have confirmed that they are currently holding the head of the fire at the Horsham Lubeck Road. The communities within the Dooen, Riverside and Longerenong areas are no longer under direct threat from this fire, but still need to remain alert due to a high level of fire activity still in the area.

DSE.HDD.0002.0037 07-Feb-09 1845 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#5), Murrindindi Mill fire. Burning in a NE direction and is spotting well ahead of the fire. The fire is now directly impacting on Narbethong and burning on the edge of Marysville. The community Buxton can expect to come under direct attack from this fire. Healesville residents are advised to remain on high alert for the prospect of ember attack.

DSE.HDD.0002.0218 07-Feb-09 1845 Joint Urgent threat Message (#15), Parkers Corner Fire. A new fire has started East of the Walhalla Township near the Thompson Dam. The communities of Rawson, Erica & Walhalla. may be directly impacted by this new fire.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1847 CenITex, Power Outage. Hopetoun [DSE] / lost network communications to the site. Customers were unable to access network files and resources. Power was restored to the site after 2hrs.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1848 CenITex, Power Outage. Seymour [DSE] / lost network communications to the site. Customers were unable to access network files and resources. Power was restored to the site after 2hrs22mins.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 13 WIT.002.002.0121 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 18:50 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Trevor Chappell. Alpine fire NW of Dargo is approximatley 650ha in size. Bullmall, Mt Taylor, Clifton and sarasfield need to be aware of increased fire activity. Spotting has occurred near junction of High Plains Road and Ritchies Road. Wind change to SW means fires may threaten Willung South, Willung, Stradbroke, Stradbroke West, Giffard West, Darriman, Hiamdale and Gormandale. Murrindindi Mill fire is spotting well ahead of the fire. It is directly impacting Narbethong. Marysville and Buxton can expect to come under direct attack. Healesville to remain on high alert. Yarra Valley residents to implement their bushfire survival plans. Camperdown fire means Harlocks road area is to remain on alert for ember attack. Those between Danada Road, Lake Corangamite, Scholars Road, Carters Road, Settlement and Swan Marsh to stay on alert also. Quarry Road fire is 4ha, Quarry road, Acacla road, upper Ferntree Gully, Ferntree Gully and Fremont are no longer under direct attack but are to remain under alert. Coleraine park is 2000ha. Residents in Reidsdale, Glenhope, Baynton and Baynton East. Residents in the area of Glenhope, Baynton need to be under alert. DSE.0017.0115.0086 07-Feb-09 1850 Joint Alert Message (#4), Quarry Road Fire - Ferntree Gully. Even though the fire is not currently posing a threat, The residents of Quarry Road, Upper Ferntree Gully, residents west of Dandenong Ranges National Park, Ferntree Gully, Upper Ferntree Gully Tremont and Ferntree Creek need to be aware of increased fire activity in the area that has the potential to impact directly. Fire area approx 5ha.

DSE.HDD.0002.1205 07-Feb-09 1850 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#1), Brittania Creek Locality. There is a fire currently to the SE side of Warburton Highway, travelling in an easterly direction. Communities of Wesburn, Millgrove, Warburton, East Warburton, Big Pat's Creek and Gladysdale may come under direct threat. Residents should activate their bush fire plans immediately.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1850 CenITex, Power Outage. Snobs Creek [DSE] / lost network communications to the site. Customers were unable to access network files and resources. Power was restored to the site after 2hrs 20mins.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1850 CenITex, Network Investigation. Customer reported approx 1850 that this was also causing slowness updating the DSE external site. Vikram advised that this link saturation was affecting the LAN as well due to external connections for fireweb and connections between Fireweb and the DSE external site. DSE.0017.0115.0094 07-Feb-09 1852 Joint Message (#6), Camperdown - Danedite Road Fire. Fire crews are working very hard to complete control lines and residents in the area of Harlocks Road are still advised to remain on full alert.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1852 CenITex, Power Outage. Toolangi [DSE] / lost network connectivity to the site. Customers at the site were unable to access network files and resources. Power was restored to the site after 216 hrs.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 18:55 ABC 774 Melbourne, Member of public: Natasha from Doreen Her husband who is in the CFA has told her to evacuate as the fire from Whittlesea was sending embers in her direction. She is now evacuating, and so too are all her neighbours.

ABC reporter: John Faine CFA are aware of fires in Healesville.

ABC reporter: Mary Jane Latest transport and traffic information. DSE.0017.0115.0080 07-Feb-09 1858 Joint Downgrade Message - Urgent Threat to Alert (#6), Remlaw Fire. Burning west, south and east of Horsham is estimated to be 5694 hectares in size. The communities within the Dooen, Riverside and Longerenong areas are no longer under direct threat from this fire, but still need to remain alert due to a high level of fire activity still in the area.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1900 AM Radio, 3AW. Homes have been destroyed at Horsham, Labertouche, and Wandong. Blazes are currently threatening haven, McKenzie Creek, Bugle Alley and Greenlake. A blaze at Kilmore East is threatening homes at Whittlesea, Hidden Valley, Wandong and Heathcote Junction as well as Kinglake and Flowerdale. Country Fire Authority Deputy Chief Officer Greg Esnouf has said that a blaze north of Kinglake threatening homes in Yarra Glen may be the result of other fires. The Murrindindi Mill fire is burning through forest at Mt Disappointment and is affecting Narbethong, Marysville and Buxton. The threat to Upper Fern Tree Gulley has been downgraded. DSE.HDD.0005.2634 07-Feb-09 1900 iECC Planning officer Handover Notes, PM to AM shift. Have contacted regions to get prognosis. IILU being set up in iECC. Need dual agent (CFA-DSE) mapping and information products. A number of going fires across the state. TFB declared for entire state tomorrow. Assist with mapping unit to help manage their workload. Need to continue to update resource availability map. Firemap has been constantly crashing. Need to develop a statewide map of fires and their boundaries. May receive more resources requests as two IMTs in South west moved close to Gippsland in preparation for tomorrow. Planning Officer: Kendra Dean. DSE.0029.0256.0011 07-Feb-09 1900 Draft Minutes from Stakeholders Meeting - Traralgon. Stakeholders Meeting, Traralgon. J. Smart-Loy Yang. Currently have enough personnel on standby. Tankers etc are being deployed. Have 3000 litre tank unit and trailer to cover perimeters. Concern with spotting DSE.0029.0256.0018 into the mine. Sprinklers are operating. Nick Demetrios, ECC up and running. Peter Rees - Gippsland Water. Supply of water is huge, pipe not big enough to met demand. Potential water/health issue for Traralgon South residence. Supply for power stations 1 to 1 half DSE.0029.0256.0030 weeks of water is available at this current usage. 1 HPV - No issues. Meeting closed at 7.35pm.

DSE.0016.0104.0027 07-Feb-09 1900 Joint Alert Message (#16), Parkers Corner Fire. Burning in a SE direction. The residents of Toongabbie, Glengarry & Cowwarr may be impacted by smoke and embers. DSE.0017.0115.0073 DSE.HDD.0002.0222

DSE.0016.0106.0040 07-Feb-09 1900 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#14), Bunyip Ridge Fire. The towns of Nilma, Darnum and Warragul are experiencing ember attack and heavy smoke. DSE.0017.0115.0074

DSE.0017.0115.0075 07-Feb-09 1900 Joint Alert Message (#9), Weerite - Danedite Road Fire. Residents between Danedite Road and Lake Corangamite areas, Scollers Road, Carters Roads Settlement and Swan Marsh communities are asked to remain alert over night and ask that the 1-larlocks Road DSE.HDD.0002.7449 residents remain vigilant for any breakouts of fire around properties.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1900 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Name unknown. Redesdale fire is threatening Barfold, Langley, Metcalfe East, Pastoria and other areas east of Kynton. Bracewell Street fire is 400ha. Power outages may occur. CFA has declared a Total Fire Ban for Victoria today.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1901 AM Radio, 3AW. A cool change is sweeping across Gippsland where a major fire is burning in the Bunyip State Park. Fire authorities have said that the next few hours are critical with towns of Crossover, Buln Buln East, Neerim and Neerim South under threat. At least one home has been lost in the Bunyip Ridge fire already. Two emergency relief centres have been set up; at the Warragul Leisure Centre and the Cardinia Cultural Centre. The Princes Highway has been closed and residents in Warragul, Nilma, Darnum, Gainsborough and Cloverlea are being advised to remain alert. DSE.0002.0005.0092 07-Feb-09 1902 DSE Initial Fire Report, Noojee # 12, Crossover - Monkey Gully, 36km S Noojee.

DSE.0017.0115.0082 07-Feb-09 1903 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#1), Chum Creek. Chum creek residents are advised they are under direct threat.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1904 AM Radio, 3AW. Melbourne has recorded 46.4 degrees, the hottest since records were first kept in the 1850s. A cool change arrived in Melbourne from just after 5pm, and the temperature is expected to drop to 20 degrees overnight. A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the whole of VIC again tomorrow. DSE.0002.0005.0080 07-Feb-09 1905 DSE Initial Fire Report, Noojee # 13, Neerim - Eltons Road, 18km SW Noojee.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1905 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: John Feighan. CFA are monitoring as many as 12 fires simultaneously burning. A handful are regarded as extremely serious. Threat messages are available through the CFA website.

ABC reporter: Trevor Chappell Chum Creek, near Healesville, is under direct threat. Rawson, Erica and Walhalla may be directly impacted by a new fire near Thompson's Dam. Delburn complex fire has increased activity due to weather conditions, Drumfield may be impacted by smoke and embers from this fire.

Member of public: Peter Mitchell from Kinglake The Whole of Kinglake is ablaze. "Flames are everywhere, trees exploding, gas tanks exploding, buildings on fire, it's very, very , very serious." There are very little emergency services as they were all out fighting the other fires. DSE.0067.0554.0051 07-Feb-09 1910 Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller, Incident Management Logbook entry. Fire threatening Erica - ESE Walhalla. Toongabbie under threat. "Conditions horrendous" 4 new starts, escalating incident.

DSE.0016.0103.0040 07-Feb-09 1910 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Beechworth Fire. A fire is burning 4 KM S of Beechworth and is moving in a SE direction. The fire is spotting well ahead of the fire. The communities of Stanley, Barwidgee Creek and Mudgegonga should prepare for direct ember attack DSE.0017.0115.0070 from this fire.

DSE.0016.0104.0016 07-Feb-09 1910 Joint Awareness Message (#5), Quarry Road Fire, Ferntree Gully. The grass and scrub fire, burning on both sides of Quarry Road, Ferntree Gully has now subsided. It is estimated to have burnt 5 hectares. Crews will continue to patrol the area. DSE.0017.0115.0072 DSE.HDD.0002.0998

DSE.0045.0361.0024 07-Feb-09 1910 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Redesdale - Coliban park Road fire. Estimated to be over 6000 hectares in size. DSE.0045.0361.0041 The communities of Barford, Langley, Metcalfe East, Pastoria and other communities to the east of Kyneton may be impacted directly by this fire. Residents in the Pipers Creek, Carlsruhe, Woodend North, Newham, Cadello and Carbor areas are advised to be alert DSE.0017.0115.0071 and implement their fire plans. Since the wind change the fire has been burning fairly slowly in a north easterly direction, and residents in the following localities need to be alert and implement their fire plans. Redesdale, Glenhope, Baynton and Baynton East. Residents in the areas between Glenhope, Baynton, Redesdale and Heathcote, Tooborac, Pyalong need to be aware that these communities may also be under threat as the wind change passes through.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 14 WIT.002.002.0122 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1910 ABC 774 Melbourne, DSE: Alex Conrad. Urgent Threat Message for residents of Beechworth and surrounding townships. Fire 4km S of Beechworth is moving SE. It is spotting well ahead of the other main fire. Stanley, Barwidgee Creek and Mudgegonga should prepare for direct ember attack. Urgent threat message for Marysville, fire is actually on the edge of the township. Buxton is now subject to urgent threat. Spotting is occurring into Healesville from the Kilmore fire.

Member of public: Dawn in Doreen She is correcting the previous caller about a fire in Doreen. The fire is between Promenade Estate and Ivanhoe Grammar and fire fighters seem to have it under control.

ABC reporter: Mary-Jane Fennech Updates on traffic and transport. DSE.0014.0075.0024 07-Feb-09 1915 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 57, Three Bridges - Taylors Track, 2.5km NE of Gladysdale.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 19:15 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: John Feighan. Fire at Marysville may be affecting communication and mobile phone towers.

Recovery Manager from the Macedon Rangers Shire Council: Angie Lossall. If people are seeing flames then it's tool late, so they need to leave now if they are wanting to.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1919 ABC 774 Melbourne, CFA: Greg Esnouf Coleraine fire has been contained. Redesdale is 6000ha. Maiden Gully Fire has consumed houses. Horsham fire 5,700ha. Kilmore fire has pushed up into Kinglake, Whittlesea and pushing into Yarra Valley, also reports of fire into St Andrew's and Yarra Glen. Murrindindi fire has pushed into Narbethong, and is threatening Marysville, Healesville is also being threatened. Wind change could cause these two major fires to join. Bunyip fire is pushing into Drouin. Churchill fire is also a threat. There are 8 major fire threats across the state. Fire near Beechworth makes it 9 major fires. Reminder of people to keep off the roads, there is a lot of activity across the state.

DSE.0034.0289.0027 07-Feb-09 1924 Telstra, SMR Outage Notification. Sites affected: Kinglake R & WS Victoria from 06:55PM on 7/2/09. Fault description: AKNGL KLPV SMR Network down. Loss of communication in the Kinglake area. SMR tech has been deployed and will advise when service has DSE.0034.0289.0028 been restored.

DSE.0016.0104.0028 07-Feb-09 1925 Joint Awareness Message - Initial Advice (#1), Plenty Gorge Park Fire. Burning in a N direction and is estimated to be 150 hectares in size. This fire is not currently posing a threat to communities however there is heavy smoke and a power transmission line down. Residents in Mernda bordering Plenty Gorge Park should be aware of smoke and possible embers.

DSE.0017.0115.0076 07-Feb-09 1925 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#1), Brittania Creek Locality. Communities of Wesburn, Millgrove, Warburton, East Warburton, Big Pat's Creek and Gladysdale may come under direct threat. Residents should activate their fire plans immediately

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1925 ABC 774 Melbourne, Member of public: Tim from Healesville. Appears that a new fire has started about 1km towards the town. Fire is headed down into Chum creek

Member of public: Graham from Yarra Junction Lightning strikes have started a spot fire which has taken off. It's looking towards Warburton. There are still lightning strikes in the area but there is a little bit of rain. Fire is in an inaccessible area.

DSE.0016.0094.0197 07-Feb-09 1930 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 58, Narre Warren North - Crawley Road, 1km NW Harkaway. (Page 5 & 6)

DSE.0013.0071.0311 07-Feb-09 1930 External Web Update. Total Fire Ban across the state today. Detailed list of threat/alert/advice messages is given. DSE.HDD.0002.2548 DSE.HDD.0002.2557

DSE.0016.0104.0022 07-Feb-09 1930 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#1), Toolangi and Chum Creek Residents. These are advised to activate their bus fire plans immediately.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1931 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Alicia Byrne. CFA and DSE are warning Victorians to prepare to be impacted by fire over the next few hours. Central, to SE Victoria, to Gippsland are all threatened. Horsham fire over 5,500ha. Drung Drung South, Longerenong, Drouin and Riverside to remain on alert. Kilmore fire is postting into Healesville, Yarra Glen and Kinglake. It has burnt 4000ha. Wind change will blow Redesdale fire towards more homes. Barfold, Langley, Metcalfe East and Pastoria and areas east of Kyneton are being threatened. Fire on Bracewell Street in West Bendigo is 400ha. There is a total fire ban for the whole state today and tomorrow.

ABC reporter: John Feighan and Trevor Chappell Total Fire Ban until midnight tonight across the entire state. 9 active serious major fires. The Parkers corner fire will impact residents of Toolangi, Glengarry and Cowwarr. Towns of Nilma, Damum and Warragul are under ember attack. Urgent threat message for Warburton, Wesburn, Millgrove, East Warburton, Big Pats creek and Gladysdale due to fire in Brittania Creek - Murrindindi. Need to implement your emergency fire plan now. Fire No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 1935 DSE Initial Fire Report, Goulburn # 43, Benalla - Warrenbayne, 22km SW Benalla.

DSE.0017.0115.0087 07-Feb-09 1935 Fire Information Release. Message (#7), Camperdown - Danedite Road Fire. Residents in the area of Harlocks Road are asked to remain alert for possible ember attack.

DSE.HDD.0002.0038 07-Feb-09 1935 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#6), Murrindindi Mill Fire. Burning in a NE direction and is spotting well ahead of the fire. The fire has directly impacted on Narbethong and Marysville. Marysville residents are encouraged to assemble at a muster point at the town oval. The community of Buxton can expect to come under direct attack from this fire. Healesville residents are advised to remain on high alert for the prospect of ember attack.

DSE.HDD.0002.0023 07-Feb-09 1940 Urgent Threat Message, Beechworth. Fire burning 4km S of Beechworth and is moving in a SE direction. The fire is spotting well ahead of the fire. The communities of Stanley, Barwidgee Creek and Mudgegonga should prepare for direct ember attack from this fire.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1940 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Mary-Jane Fennech. Extensive brief of road closures is given. Severe disruption to V/Line and Connex trains.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1940 ABC 774 Melbourne, CFA: Russell Reese. Kilmore fire is being severely impacted by wind and is progressing towards the Murrindindi fire. Has not confirmed that they will likely join up but admits it's difficult to adequately resource the area to suppress the fires. Significant asset losses. Just because the wind change has come does not mean that the risk is gone. Bunyip fire has a lot of spotting activity pushing back toward Neerim. Churchill fire has spotted into Yarram. Fire has broken out on outskirts of Beechworth heading towards Stanley. Fire at Redesdale north of Kyneton which is 400ha. Are presently worried about loss of life.

DSE.0019.0166.0003 07-Feb-09 1950 Incident Management Logbook entry. State Spokesperson, Caroline Douglass, spoke with Justine Long from the ABC.

DSE.0017.0115.0067 07-Feb-09 1950 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#2), Beechworth. Fire burning 4km S of Beechworth and is moving in a SE direction. The fire is spotting well ahead of the fire. The communities of Stanley, Barwidgee Creek and Mudgegonga should prepare for direct ember attack from DSE.HDD.0002.0024 this fire. DSE.HDD.0002.1127

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 1954 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Lisa Maksimovic. Winds have significantly calmed down. Fire is now 20km along the flank and 1km across the fire front. Wind change may cause a 20km long fire front.

DSE.0002.0005.0072 1956 DSE Initial Fire Report, Noojee # 15, Neerim - Pig Paddock, 25km SW Noojee.

DSE.0017.0115.0069 07-Feb-09 1958 Joint Awareness Message (#1), Plenty Gorge Park Fire. Burning in a N direction and is estimated to be 150 hectares in size. This fire is not currently posing a threat to communities however there is heavy smoke and a power transmission line down. Police are in attendance. Residents In Mernda bordering Plenty Gorge park should be aware of smoke and possible embers.

DSE.0067.0554.0052 07-Feb-09 2000 Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller, Incident Management Logbook entry. Redesdale fire expected to be contained by dawn. Kilmore fire has gone south with houses lost between Wandong and Kinglake. "Murrindindi Mill fire chaos [hard to read, not sure if it says chaos] in Marysville". Need support especially down south.

DSE.0002.0005.0078 07-Feb-09 2000 DSE Initial Fire Report, Noojee # 14, Mt Toorongo, 4km NNE Vesper.

DSE.0002.0005.0070 07-Feb-09 2000 DSE Initial Fire Report, Noojee # 16, Webbs Tk, 10km ENE Bulan Bulan.

DSE.0020.0201.0009 07-Feb-09 2000 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 60, Maroondah - Mt Riddell, 4km SE Healesville.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 15 WIT.002.002.0123 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.0013.0071.0302 07-Feb-09 2000 External Web Update. Total Fire Ban across the state today. National Registry established. Detailed list of threat/alert/advice messages is given. DSE.HDD.0002.2565 DSE.HDD.0002.2574

DSE.0016.0106.0080 07-Feb-09 2000 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#17), Glendonald road Fire. Burning in and around the Traralgon South and Callignee and Callignee North & South area. Residents may be directly impacted by this fire. DSE.HDD.0002.0226 DSE.HDD.0002.7398

DSE.0017.0115.0045 07-Feb-09 2000 Joint Alert Message, Bunyip State Park. Lists the new road closures in place as a result of this fire.

DSE.0017.0115.0046 07-Feb-09 2000 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Glendonald Road Fire. Burning in and around the Traralgon South and Callignee and Callignee North & South area. Residents may be directly impacted by this fire.

DSE.HDD.0002.0271 07-Feb-09 2000 Joint Media Release, Gippsland Fires. DSE.0017.0115.0066 Emergency Relief Centres have been established at the following locations: Yarram Secondary College, James Street Yarram. Sale Baptist Church, Princess Highway Sale Traralgon Little Theatre, Grey Street Traralgon Foster Show rounds, Station Road Foster, Moe Town Hall, Albert Street, Moe. Full Road Closures list is given. Due to the loss of the 100.7 ABC transmitter, Residents are encouraged to listen to ABC Gippsland on 828 AM for update information.

DSE.HDD.0002.0567 07-Feb-09 2000 Joint Alert Message (#15), Bunyip Ridge Fire. There are new road closures in place as a result of the Bunyip Ridge fire. Lists new road closures.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2000 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Alicia Byrne. DSE and CFA warn Victorians to prepare for the worst as wind changes push fires towards more homes. Three separate fires in Gippsland are posing a threat to communities. The Bunyip State Park fire, a fire east of Walhalla and the Delburn complex fire.

DSE: Caroline Douglass The wind change will cause problems, creating a broader fire front

ABC reporter: Justine Longlore Fire at Mount Despair state Forest is threatening Narbethong and Marysville. Residents of Yarra Valley have been told to enact their bushfire survival plans. Threat of Horsham fire has eased. CFA have downgraded threat message for fire burning around the city's perimeter. Fires are approximately 5,700ha. Power has been cut due to the fires.

ABC reporter: Alicia Byrne Total Fire Ban for entire state today and tomorrow.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2005 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: John Feighan. The Redesdale, West Bendigo, Horsham, Kilmore to King Lake, Warburton, Murrindindi, Marysville fire, Bunyip and Drouin, Strezlecki, Churchill, Loyang and the Beechworth fires all extremely serious. Ask people to minimise their use of power.

Member of public: Peter Mitchell The whole township of Kinglake is mostly on fire. Not one had time to do anything. It passed in minutes, it was so quick, there was nothing on the radio.

ABC reporter: John Feighan DSE and CFA are saying that if you have a fire plan that includes fighting a fire, this is not the sort of fire that you are likely to be able to fight.

DSE.0017.0115.0068 07-Feb-09 2007 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#1), Toolangi and Chum Creek Residents. Residents are advised to activate their bushfire plans immediately.

DSE.0019.0166.0003 07-Feb-09 2010 Incident Management Logbook entry. State Spokesperson, Caroline Douglass, spoke with the Sunday Age

DSE.0017.0115.0043 07-Feb-09 2015 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Murrindindi Mill Fire. The fire is now directly impacting on Narbethong and landowners. Residents around Murrindindi and Limestone are in the direct path of this fire and need to prepare for imminent impact. These communities can expect to come under heavy ember attack from this fire. All residents in these areas are advised to remain on high alert and if they haven't implemented their fire plan, they should do so immediately.

DSE.0017.0115.0044 07-Feb-09 2015 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Kilmore East. Fire approximately 30,000ha. The communities in the area of Broadford are under direct threat of being impacted upon by this fire. This includes: Broadford, Broadford East in the area of O'Gradys Road, South of Broadford, DSE.HDD.0002.7486 Broadford, Wandong, Sunday Creek Road, Reedy Creek and Tyaak. Fire fighting resources are currently fully committed and residents are reminded that they cannot expect fire fighting trucks to be in attendance if the fire front approaches their properties. DSE.HDD.0002.7679

DSE.HDD.0002.0039 07-Feb-09 2015 Urgent Threat Message (#7), Murrindindi Mill fire. Burning in a SE direction and is spotting well ahead of the fire. The fire is now directly impacting on Narbethong and landowners. Residents around Murrindindi and Limestone are in the direct path of this fire and need to prepare for imminent impact. These communities can expect to come under heavy ember attack from this fire.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2016 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC Reporter: John Feighan. There are many minor fires. But if they are not being broadcasted then there's no direct threat. The DSE and CFA have identified the major fires as Redesdale, Maiden Gully at west Bendigo, Horsham that's now contained, Kilmore, Murrindindi which has an urgent threat message, Bunyip, Churchill and Beechworth.

DSE.0017.0115.0081 07-Feb-09 2018 Joint Threat Downgrade to Alert Message (#8), Weerite - Danedite Road Fire. Residents between Danedite Road and Lake Corangamite areas, Scollers Road, Carters Roads Settlement and Swan Marsh communities are asked to remain alert over night and ask that the Harlocks Road residents to remain vigilant for any breakouts of fire around properties.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2019 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Mary-Jane Fennech Urgent Threat Message for Beechworth, Stanley, Barwidgee Creek and Mudgegonga. Fire is spotting well ahead. Urgent Threat Message for Chum Creek residents. Murrindindi Mill fire is spotting well ahead of the fire, has directly impacted Narbethong and Marysville. Marysville residents are encouraged to assemble at a muster point at the town oval. Buxton can expect to come under direct attack. Healesville residents are to remain on high alert.

Member of public: Anne Wood She has heard people say they've lost their homes. People of Kinglake cannot get out of the fire.

BoM: Dean Stewart Variable weather at Bunyip which is creating extra hazard.

DSE.0067.0548.0012 07-Feb-09 2020 Fire Weather Meteorologist Scott Williams, Incident Management Logbook entry. Brief on Weather to Emergency Management Meeting main points include: change is fast, Consistent 30km S/SW winds to follow overnight Gippsland winds S/SW. [hard to decipher writing]. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2027 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Simon Brown. Extensive list of road closures given. Disrupted train service information also given.

ABC reporter: John Feighan Glendonald Road fire - urgent threat message for Traralgon, Traralgon South, Callignee, Callignee North and South.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2030 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Alicia Byrne. Victorians warned to prepare for the worst as wind change pushes fire towards homes. Dozens of fires across the state. Total Fire Ban for entire state tomorrow.

DSE.0016.0104.0009 07-Feb-09 2030 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Crawley Road - Harkaway. Estimated to be 80 hectares in size. The residents of Harkaway, Narre Warren North and Beaconsfield Upper may be directly impacted upon by this fire. DSE.HDD.0002.1825 DSE.0017.0115.0042 DSE.HDD.0002.1828

DSE.0016.0106.0079 07-Feb-09 2030 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#19), Glendonald road Fire. Burning in a NE direction towards the townships of Carrajung South, Carrajung Lower. The fire is expected to impact in 20 minutes or less. Residents may be directly impacted by this fire. DSE.0017.0115.0040 DSE.HDD.0002.0238

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 16 WIT.002.002.0124 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.0016.0107.0019 07-Feb-09 2030 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#4), Bracewell Fire. Burning in a N-NE direction and has destroyed a number of homes in the Eaglehawk Road area. A section of the fire is moving towards Eaglehawk and residents in the Upper California Gully Road and Hall Street area DSE.0017.0115.0041 are warned that their area is under ember attack. A wind change has moved through the area, slightly reducing the intensity of the fire. DSE.HDD.0002.1201

DSE.0017.0115.0065 07-Feb-09 2030 Joint Media Release, Gippsland Fires. CFA and DSE advise residents of Seaspray, Golden Beach and Loch Sport that the Glendonald Fire may impact on the South Gippsland Highway and the access from these areas may be prevented within the next 6 to 12 hours. DSE.HDD.0002.0272 Residents who have decided to leave early should leave the area prior to the expected road closure.

DSE.HDD.0002.0232 07-Feb-09 2030 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#18), Glendonald Road Fire. Burning in a NE direction towards the townships of Willung South, Carrajung and Gormandale. Residents may be directly impacted by this fire. DSE.HDD.0002.7399 DSE.HDD.0002.7401

DSE.0014.0075.0028 07-Feb-09 2031 DSE Initial Fire Report, East Port Phillip # 59, Brittania Range - Justice Trk, 2km SSE of Wesburn.

DSE.0067.0554.0053 07-Feb-09 2032 Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller, Incident Management Logbook entry. Speaking to Granger[?], "Struggling to get good information". Erica may have new starts from lightning. Jeeralang - crews withdrawn at Yarram. Fires at Noojee. 6 Fires at Erica, fire at Toongabbie, Walhalla, revised to nine fires at Erica. Wind dropped off at Bunyip. Spot fire at Yarra Valley. Unconfirmed deaths at Wandong, St. Andrews, Arthurs Creek and Kinglake. Beechworth has no power.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2035 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: John Feighan. Still 9 active fires across the state. Coleraine fire is contained but still requires attention. Redesdale fire is still going. Horsham fire is less serious. Kilmore fire is extensive and active. The Murrindindi fire is also most serious. Bunyip fire is continuing to cause trouble. Also a fire east of Beechworth.

CFA: James Bennett Regardless of the wind change, a fire the size of Kilmore's there is little that can be done. Areas under direct threat are around O’Grady’s Road, South Broadford, Broadford, Wandong and Sunday Creek Road and also Pheasant Creek. These are utterly extreme conditions

CFA Incident Controller for Wallum fire A firestorm went through the area. The fire is still moving and has an active fire front on all parts. DSE.0034.0289.0026 07-Feb-09 2036 Telstra, SMR Outage Notification. Sites affected: The Pinnacles R & WS from 07:48PM. Fault Description: QPINS TPIU - DSE iC site down loss of IC coverage in the Dargo area. SMR tech deployed, will advise when service has been restored.

DSE.HDD.0002.7453 07-Feb-09 2040 Joint Alert Message, Weerite - Danedite Road Fire. Carters Road residents are advised that fire is still active in the bush east of Purrumbete and west of Carters Road and are asked to remain vigilant. Residents between Danedite Road and Lake Corangamite areas, Scollers Road, Carters Roads Settlement and Swan Marsh communities are asked to still remain on alert and ask that the Harlocks Road residents to be vigilant and watch out for any breakouts of fire around their properties.

DSE.0006.0025.0007 07-Feb-09 2040 Telstra, SMR Outage Notification. Sites affected: The Pinnacles R & WS from 07:48PM. Fault Description: QPINS TPIU - DSE iC site down loss of IC coverage in the Dargo area. SMR tech deployed, will advise when service has been restored.

DSE.0017.0115.0039 07-Feb-09 2040 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Beechworth. The fire is spotting well ahead of the fire, in some cases as much as 4km ahead. The communities of Stanley, Barwidgee Creek and Mudgegonga should prepared for direct ember attack from this fire.

DSE.HDD.0002.1128 07-Feb-09 2040 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#3), Beechworth. Moving in a SE direction. The fire is spotting well ahead of the fire, in some case as much as four kilometres ahead. The communities of Stanley, Barwidgee Creek and Mudgegonga should prepare for direct ember DSE.HDD.0002.0025 attack from this fire. DSE.0016.0103.0039

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 2040 CenITex, Power Outage. Marysville [DPI/DSE] / lost network connectivity to the site. Customers at the site were unable to access network files and resources. Site is still down, due to fire in the area. ETA Unknown.

DSE.0006.0025.0006 07-Feb-09 2043 Telstra, SMR Outage Notification. Sites affected: Kinglake R & WS Victoria from 06:55PM on 7/2/09. Fault description: AKNGL KLPV SMR Network down. Loss of communication in the Kinglake area. SMR tech has been deployed and will advise when service has been restored.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 2043 CenITex, Power Outage. Casterton [DPI/DSE] / lost network connectivity to the site. Customers were unable to access network files and resources. Power was restored to the site after 20mins.

DSE.0017.0115.0037 07-Feb-09 2045 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#8), Murrindindi Mill fire. The fire is now directly impacting on Narbethong and landowners. Residents around Murrindindi and Limestone are in the direct path of this fire and need to prepare for imminent impact. These communities can DSE.HDD.0002.0040 expect to come under heavy ember attack from this fire.

DSE.0019.0166.0004 07-Feb-09 2045 Incident Management Logbook entry. State Spokesperson, Caroline Douglass logbook. Spoke with Robbice from 3GG Gippsland about the Bunyip and Glendonald fires.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2048 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Mary-Jane Fennech. Urgent threat message for Barfold, Langley, Metcalfe East, Pastoria and communities east of Kyneton. Redesdale fire has burnt over 6000ha. Residents of Pipers Creek, Woodend North, Newham, Cadello and Carlsruhe are advised to be on alert. When wind change occurs the following localities need to be on alert and implement their fire plans: Redesdale, Glenhope, Baynton and Baynton East. Residents in the areas between Glenhope, Baynton, Redesdale and Heathcote and Tooborac. Urgent threat message for Kilmore East fire, 4000ha in size. Kinglake to Flowerdale may be impacted. Murrindindi Mill fire is heavily spotting. Narbethong is being directly impacted as well as Murrindindi and Limestone. Residents need to remain on high alert.

Member of public: Christine from Kilmore Kinglake, Mount Disappointment, Flowerdale, Wallan are all glowing. Fire is everywhere. Wind has died down.

DSE.0067.0554.0054 07-Feb-09 2055 Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller, Incident Management Logbook entry. Unconfirmed 5 - 6 deaths in Traralgon. Murrindindi and Taggerty under threat. Marysville tree over roads. Spotting into Rubicon. Can't go into Narbethong. All staff are okay but officer lost. DSE offline at Kilmore. Change hasn't come through Bunyip yet, should be able to catch tomorrow.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2100 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Alicia Byrne CFA says that Victorians need to be prepared for the fire threat to increase through the night. Russel Rees said "fire at night is even more scary than fire in the day". Communities of Carrajung South and Carrajung Lower are being warned they may be directly impacted by fire. DSE.0016.0105.0043 07-Feb-09 2100 Joint Awareness Message (#4), Dargo - White Timber Spur. Burning 15km NNE of Dargoin a southerly direction. Estimated to be 1200ha. Not currently posing a threat to communities. Alert message issued at 5.30 pm today for Bullumwaal, Mount Taylor, Clifton Creek DSE.HDD.0002.0829 and Sarsfield has been downgraded due to the wind change. There is significant smoke in the Bairnsdale area from fires to the north and west. DSE.0017.0115.0036

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 2100 AM Radio, 3AW. The Bunyip Ridge fire is continuing to burn out of control east of Melbourne. At least one home has been lost. The towns of Nilma, Darnum and Warragul are under direct threat of ember attack. The DSE has said the cooler weather may bring more challenges rather than relief.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 2100 AM Radio, 3AW. John Rees, Communications Manager, Connex, has said the record heat has caused more than 100 cancellations. Rees says they have had to suspend services between Belgrave and Ringwood due to a fire in Ferntree Gully. V/Line has suspended services on the Gippsland, Warrnambool and Seymour lines due to fires. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2103 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Alison Price Residents of Toolangi, Glengarry and Cowwarr are on alert. Easing temperatures and winds have reduced the threat of the Horsham fire. Fire area 5,700ha.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2105 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: John Faine. 10 serious fire affecting Victoria tonight.

ABC reporter: Mary-Jane Fenech Urgent threat message for Glendonald fire at Carrajung South and Carrajung Lower. Fire expected to impact in 20 minutes or less. Urgent threat messages for Murrindindi Mill fire, fire is spotting well ahead of fire front. Communities of Murrindindi and Limestone are in direct path of fire and can expect to come under heavy ember attack. Urgent fire messages for Beechworth. Communities of Stanley, Barwidgee Creek and Mudgegonga, these communities should prepare for direct ember attack. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2108 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: John Faine. Many fires lit today may be a result of arson. Approximately 9 fires posing a threat: Coleraine which is now contained, Redesdale has split, Maiden Gully fire at West Bendigo, Horsham is no longer a serious threat, Kilmore is a serious threat and may join with the Murrindindi fire, the Bunyip fire, the Churchill fire, and the Beechworth fire.

ABC reporter: Lisa Maksimovic At Bunyip the wind has eased but change in wind direction has threatened several new towns.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 17 WIT.002.002.0125 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.0017.0115.0034 07-Feb-09 2115 Smoke Alert Message, Murrindindi Mill. After wind to a SW direction, thick smoke from the Murrindindi Mill fire, may impact on the communities of Seymour, Jamieson, Mt Buller, Tolmie, King Valley, Moyhu, Myrtleford, Benalla, Wangaratta and surrounding areas. Residents in these communities are advised to have their fire plans in place and to continue to listen to ABC radio for any updates or alerts.

DSE.HDD.0002.0780 07-Feb-09 2115 Joint Alert Message (#11), Alexandra Township. Residents of Alexandra are advised that a fire break is presently being constructed by bulldozers around the township as part of the township protection plan. Alexandra's residents are advised to have their fire plans in DSE.0017.0115.0035 place and to continue to listen to ABC radio for any updates or alerts.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2119 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Mary-Jane Fenech. Urgent Threat Message for Nilma, Darnum and Warragul in regards to Bunyip Ridge fire. Urgent threat message for Glendonald Road fire at Carrajung South and Carrajung Lower. This fire is expected to have already impacted these towns. Urgent threat message for Murrindindi Mill fire, it is directly impacting Narbethong and fire is in direct line with Murrindindi and Limestone.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2121 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter; Simon Brown. An extensive list of road closures is given.

ABC reporter: John Faine Reminder from emergency services that if you're travel is not essential then please stay off the roads. Road conditions are hazardous. DSE have asked people not to log onto their website unless you are at risk because their website may overload.

DSE.0016.0103.0038 07-Feb-09 2125 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#4), Beechworth. Burning 4km S of Beechworth and moving SE. The fire is spotting well ahead of the fire, in some case as much as four kilometres ahead. The communities of Barwidgee Creek and Mudgegonga should prepare for direct DSE.HDD.0002.0026 ember attack from this fire. Residents of Stanley, Yackandandah and Bruarong should remain on high alert for ember attack after wind change. DSE.0017.0115.0033

DSE.0016.0107.0014 07-Feb-09 2129 Joint Media Release, Remlaw Fire. Aim to secure control lines tonight. Size of fire approximately 3000ha. Road closures are listed. DSE.0017.0115.0032

DSE.0013.0071.0293 07-Feb-09 2130 External Web Update. Total Fire Ban across the state today. National Registry established. Detailed list of threat/alert/advice messages is given. DSE.HDD.0002.2583 DSE.HDD.0002.2592 DSE.HDD.0002.2601 DSE.HDD.0002.2610

DSE.0019.0166.0444 07-Feb-09 2105 State Spokesperson, Caroline Douglass, Incident Management Logbook entry. Spoke with Phillipa O'Donnell from the ABC. "Bob Cameron at 21:30"

DSE.0016.0107.0018 07-Feb-09 2130 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#5), Bracewell Fire. Perimeter of fire along Marong Road, Eaglehawk Road, Bracewell Street and Upper California Gully Road. Some homes to the north of Eaglehawk Road are still subject to ember attack. DSE.HDD.0002.1195 DSE.0017.0115.0031

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2131 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Alicia Byrne. Winds are expanding fire fronts on several large blazes. Power has been cut to tens of thousands of homes. Thick smoke across west and central Gippsland is present. Fire on eastern fringe of Strezlecki Ranges may directly impact Carrajung South and Carrajung Lower. Bunyip fire is still threatening townships of Nilma North, Darnum, Neerim South and Noojee, and spot fires have broken out in Warragul. Fire north of Traralgon is burning towards Toolangi, Glengarry and Cowwarr.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2135 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Richard. In Kinglake the safest place for people is to just stay where they are, do not try to travel unless it's safe.

CFA: Greg Esnouf Kinglake fire will only get worse as the night goes on. Burnt over 2000ha. The Kinglake, Murrindindi and Bunyip fires post significant problems to assets. Still potential for Murrindindi and Kilmore fires to join. Churchill fire still posing a threat. Redesdale fire is 10,000ha. Hoping to contain this fire by Sunday morning. The Stanley township is in the path of the Beechworth fire. Reinforce the message not to go out, or sightsee, do not go near these fires and do not go on the road unless you need to tonight as there is still significant fire activity.

Member of public: Colin At Eildon where the CFA are telling residents to get ready to evacuate. DSE.0017.0115.0038 07-Feb-09 2143 Joint Alert Message, Weerite - Danedite Road. Carters Road residents are advised that fire is still active in the bush east of Purrumbete and west of Carters Road and are asked to remain vigilant. Residents between Danedite Road and Lake Corangamite areas, Scollers Road, Carters Roads Settlement and Swan Marsh communities are asked to still remain on alert and ask that the Harlocks Road residents to be vigilant and watch out for any breakouts of fire around their properties. Fire size 1350ha.

DSE.0016.0104.0007 07-Feb-09 2145 Joint Downgrade Message - Urgent Threat to Alert (#3), Crawley Road Fire Harkaway. Estimated to be 80ha. Residents of Harkaway, Narre Warren North and Beaconsfield Upper are no longer under direct threat but still need to remain alert due to a high level of fire DSE.0017.0115.0064 activity still in the area. DSE.HDD.0002.1827

DSE.0016.0107.0005 07-Feb-09 2145 Joint Alert Message (#11), Weerite - Danedite Road Fire. Carters Road residents are advised to remain vigilant. DSE.0016.0107.0006 Residents between Danedite Road and Lake Corangamite areas, Scollers Road, Carters Roads Settlement Swan Marsh communities and Harlocks Road residents are asked to remain on alert and watch out for any breakouts of fire around their properties. DSE.HDD.0002.7448

DSE.0016.0103.0036 07-Feb-09 2155 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#5), Beechworth. Burning 4 km south of Beechworth and is moving SE. The fire is spotting well ahead of the fire, in some cases as much as 4 km ahead. The communities of Barwidgee Creek and Mudgegonga should prepare for direct DSE.0047.0378.0005 ember attack from this fire. A change in wind direction later in tonight could push the fire north east, towards Stanley, Yackandandah and Bruarong. Residents of Stanley, Yackandandah and Bruarong should remain on high alert for ember attack. DSE.HDD.0002.0027 DSE.HDD.0002.1175 DSE.0017.0115.0061 DSE.0016.0103.0037

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2156 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: John Faine. The Beechworth fire is not threatening the town but the power supplies. Bunyip fire is also threatening transmission liens. Main concern is Kinglake fire.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2200 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Alicia Byrne 10 major fires across the state. Strong winds are expanding fire fronts. Today's fire conditions are described by Premier John Brumby as the worst in the state's history. Bunyip Ridge fire has wreaked havoc on nearby communities of Drouin West and Longwarry and shows no sign of slowing.

ABC reporter: Peta Carline Spot fire broken out at Warragul. CFA says the next few hours will be critical.

ABC reporter: Justine Longmore Beechworth fire is spotting 4km away. The CFA hope to contain the Redesdale blaze by morning but it is currently threatening communities east of Kyneton. The Murrindindi and Kilmore fires are still burning in a SE direction.

ABC reporter: Peter Lonergan Horsham fire size has been revised back to 3000ha. DSE.HDD.0002.0446 07-Feb-09 2200 Joint Alert Message (#24), Glendonald Road Fire for communities of Hazelwood South, Jeeralang, Jeeralang North, Jeeralang Junction, Balook, Le Roy, Jumbuck, Valley View Budgeree East, Traralgon South, Callignee, Callignee North, Callignee South, South, DSE.HDD.0002.0537 Carrajung Lower, Won Wron, Woodside, Devon North, Yarram, Calrossie, Alberton, Tarraville, Port Albert, Langsborough, Manns Beach and Robertsons Beach DSE.0028.0250.0026 DSE.0017.0115.0030

DSE.0017.0115.0062 07-Feb-09 2208 Joint Awareness Message - Initial Advice (#1), Residents of Long Gully Road. Burning in a northerly direction. Residents should remain alert.

DSE.0017.0115.0060 07-Feb-09 2210 Joint Urgent Threat Message (6), Beechworth. The fire is spotting well ahead of the fire. The communities of Barwidgee Creek, Mudgegonga, Rosewhite and residents along Carrols Road should prepare to be directly impacted by this fire. A change in wind direction DSE.HDD.0002.0028 later in tonight could push the fire north east, towards Stanley, Yackandandah and Bruarong. Residents of Stanley, Yackandandah and Bruarong should remain on high alert for ember attack. DSE.HDD.0002.1130

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 18 WIT.002.002.0126 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2214 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Mary-Jane Fenech. Urgent Threat Message for Wandong, fire is 1000ha. Communities of Wandong, Wallan, Wallan East, Eden Park and Whittlesea, Humevale, Bruce’s Creek, Upper Plenty, Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek, Smith’s Gully, Kinglake, Flowerdale, Glenburn and Hurstbridge may be directly impacted upon this fire. CFA's website has more information. Extensive information about road closures is given.

ABC reporter: Tracey Bartram. It's the first time she's ever had to evacuate in six years of living in the country. Advise Warburton residents that if you don't plan to stay and fight, then leave now.

Deputy Police Commissioner: Kieran Walsh Plea to the community to not go to fire areas and allow emergency services to do their jobs. DSE.0017.0115.0059 07-Feb-09 2215 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#12), Murrindindi Mill Fire. Burning in a NE direction. Communities of Taggerty, Acheron, Thornton, Rubicon, Snobs Creek, Eildon, Alexandra and Molesworth can expect thick smoke and ember attack. DSE.HDD.0002.0031 DSE.HDD.0002.0041

DSE.0016.0107.0021 07-Feb-09 2220 Joint Awareness Message - Initial Advice (#1), Bracewell Street Eaglehawk. Estimated to be over 10,000ha. Residents of Baynton, Glenhope and in the vicinity of Franklins Road, Randalls Lane, Dead Dog Lane and Heathcote Spring Plains Road, may be impacted directly by this fire, which is now burning in a NE direction.

DSE.0045.0361.0022 07-Feb-09 2220 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Redesdale - Coliban Park Road. Over 10,000ha. Residents of Glenhope will see the fire burning to both the south and west of their township. Residents of Baynton, Glenhope and in the vicinity of Franklins Road, Randalls Lane, Dead Dog DSE.0045.0361.0042 Lane and Heathcote Spring Plains Road, may be impacted directly by this fire, which is now burning in a NE direction. DSE.0017.0115.0058 DSE.0016.0107.0035

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2223 ABC 774 Melbourne, DSE: Caroline Douglass. Many fires still going, and many homes still at risk. New lightning strikes may cause problems. The wind change has been quite strong which is causing spotting out ahead of the fires. More effort is going into asset protection than containing or holding the fires at the moment. The threats of some fires has been reduced. However, the Kilmore fire is still a threat. Beechworth is also still a problem. Urgent Threat Message for Barwidgee Creek, Mudgegonga, Rosewhite and residents on Carols Road in Beechworth area. Urgent Threat Message for Churchill fires and Bendigo as well. Urge people to enact their bushfire survival plans and keep off the roads where possible.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services: Bob Cameron By tomorrow some fires will be contained and then resources can be directed more at the fires that continue to be going. DSE.0016.0103.0031 07-Feb-09 2225 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Beechworth. Burning 4 km S of Beechworth and is moving SE. The fire is spotting well ahead of the fire. The communities of Barwidgee Creek, Mudgegonga, Rosewhite and residents along Carrols Rd should prepare for direct ember attack from this fire. A change in wind direction later on tonight could push the fire north east, towards Stanley, Yackandandah and Bruarong. Residents of Stanley Yackandandah and Bruarong should remain on high alert for ember attack.

DSE.0017.0115.0063 07-Feb-09 2228 Joint Alert Message, Weerite - Danedite Road Fire. Residents between Danedite Road and Lake Corangamite areas, Scollers Road, Carters Roads Settlement Road Swan Marsh communities arid Harlocks Road residents are asked to remain on alert and watch out for any breakouts of fire around their properties.

DSE.0016.0107.0017 07-Feb-09 2230 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#6), Bracewell Fire. Fire perimeter along Marong Road, Eaglehawk Road, Bracewell Street and Upper California Gully Road. The fire is still burning inside that perimeter. DSE.0017.0115.0056 Some homes to the north of Eaglehawk Road are still subject to ember attack. DSE.HDD.0002.1196 DSE.0017.0115.0057 07-Feb-09 2230 Joint Alert Message (#16), Bunyip Ridge Fire. Burning in a NE direction due to the recent wind change. Warragul, Nilma, Nilma North Darnum need to be aware that fire activity in the area has increased and has the potential to impact directly. DSE.HDD.0002.0561 DSE.HDD.0002.0581 DSE.HDD.0002.1232

DSE.HDD.0002.1232 07-Feb-09 2230 Threat Message (#17), Bunyip Ridge Fire. Burning in a NE direction due to the recent wind change. The towns of Tarago, Jindivick West, Jindivick North, Neerim, Neerim South, Neerim East are experiencing ember attack and heavy smoke. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2232 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Megan Flamer. If you're wanting details on specific fires then call VBIL not the ABC's talkback line.

ABC reporter: Mary Jane Fenech Urgent Threat Message for Barwidgee Creek, Mudgegonga, Rosewhite and Carols Road. Beechworth fire is spotting well ahead of the fire, up to 4km. Residents of Stanely, Yackandandah and Bruarong should remain on high alert from ember attack due to expected wind change. Murrindindi Mill fire is threatening comunities of Taggerty, Acheron, Thornton, Rubicon, Snobs Creek, Eildon, Alexandra and Molesworth. Grass and scrub fire near Wandong is over 1000ha. Communities of Wandong, Wallan, Wallan East, Eden Park and Whittlesea, Humevale, Bruces Creek, Upper Plenty, Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek, Smiths Gully, Flowerdale, Kinglake, Glenburn and Hurstbridge may be directly impacted upon by this fire.

ABC reporter: Simon Brown Extensive description of road closures given. DSE.0019.0166.0005 07-Feb-09 2235 State Spokesperson, Caroline Douglass, Incident Management Logbook entry. Spoke with Chris Power from Sky News

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2245 ABC 774 Melbourne, CFA: Greg Esnouf. Town of Marysville is understood to be cut off due to the fire. Sunday Creek fire near Kilmore is very large, there will be significant asset losses. Bunyip fire is moving toward Jindivick, this fire is still of concern and will be hard to contain. Churchill fire has moved rapidly, winds have pushed it toward Traralgon South. Have not had any reports of additional fires as a result of lightning. Bunyip and Kinglake fires have generated their own lightning, and due to no fire towers being in operations it will be hard to pick up new fires until morning. Refer to VBIL for individual fire information. Fire has pushed through Narbethong and will push back to Marysville, but may not reach Taggerty. Reminder that the websites get overloaded. The DSE has reported an overload and maybe VBIL as well. Asking public not to use these sites for general information, but rather only if they are in areas of concern. Let the people who need to get on them use them.

DSE.0017.0115.0055 07-Feb-09 2245 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#7), Beechworth. Burning 4km S of Beechworth and is moving SE. The fire is spotting well ahead of the fire. The communities of Barwidgee Creek, Mudgegonga, Rosewhite, Murmungee and residents along Carrols Road (near DSE.HDD.0002.0029 Mudgegonga) should prepare to be directly impacted by this fire. A change in wind direction later in tonight could push the fire NE, towards Stanley, Yackandandah and Bruarong. Residents of Stanley, Yackandandah and Bruarong should remain on high alert for DSE.HDD.0002.1131 ember attack.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2252 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Megan Flamer. Murrindindi Mill fire is spotting embers on communities of Taggerty, Acheron, Thornton, Rubicon, Snobs Creek, Eildon, Alexandra and Molesworth. Tourist advised to stay away from Mount Despair State Forest. Urgent threat message for Broadford due to Kilmore east fire. Kilmore fire estimated to be 30,000ha. Other communities under direct threat are: Broadford, Broadford East in the area of O’Grady’s Road, south of Broadford, Broadford in the Sunday Creek Road area, Reedy Creek and Tyack. Reminder that residents should not expect fire trucks to be in attendance if the fire front approaches their properties. Extensive details of Road closures given.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2257 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: David Significant weather change just occurred. No rain, but some lightning. Strong wind still present. Wind direction has changed.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2300 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Michaele Carr. 11 major fires across the state. Strong winds are blowing thick smoke and ash across the region, authorities are warning residents of Gippslands to prepare for more ember attacks.

ABC reporter: Megan Flamer Murrindindi Mill fire - communities of Taggerty, Acheron, Thornton, Rubicon, Snobs Creek, Eildon, Alexandra and Molesworth can expect thick smoke and ember attack. Urgent threat message for Redesdale Coliban Park Road fire. Fire area approximately 10,000ha. Residents of Baynton, Glenhope, Franklins Road, Randalls Lane, Dead Dog lane and heathcote Spring Plains Road may be directly impacted. Kilmore east fire is 30,000ha and is threatening communities of Broadford, Broadford East in the area of O’Grady’s Road, south of Broadford, Broadford near Sunday Creek Road and Reedy Creek and Tyack. Residents are reminded they cannot expect fire fighting trucks to be in attendance if the fire front approaches their properties.

DSE.0016.0104.0006 07-Feb-09 2300 Joint Alert Message (#4), Crawley road Fire - Harkaway for Harkaway Narre Warren North and Beaconsfield Upper. Burning in a NE direction and is estimated to be 150ha. DSE.0017.0115.0054 DSE.HDD.0002.1830

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 2305 CenITex, Network Investigation. Vikram advised that the link was still running over 100% at 2305

DSE.0019.0166.0005 07-Feb-09 2305 State Spokesperson, Caroline Douglass, Incident Management Logbook entry. Spoke with Lucy from Sky News in Sydney.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2308 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Mary Jane Fenech. Extensive details of road closures.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 19 WIT.002.002.0127 Preparedness Communications Chronology 7th Feb 2009

Main Doc ID Date Time Description DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2314 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Tim Cox. There is a concern that fires could get worse and that crews are only just getting into fire affected areas. Power supply is still not repaired. Those without power now can expect to now have power until tomorrow.

DSE.0016.0103.0035 07-Feb-09 2325 Joint Urgent Threat Message (#8), Beechworth, Moving SE. The fire is spotting well ahead of the fire. The communities of Barwidgee Creek, Mudgegonga, Rosewhite, Murmungee and residents along Carrols Rd (near Mudgegonga) should prepare to be directly DSE.HDD.0002.0030 impacted by this fire. DSE.HDD.0002.1132 DSE.0017.0115.0053

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2327 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Tim Cox. Fire fighters still working on almost a dozen major fire fronts across the state.

DSE.0013.0071.0276 07-Feb-09 2330 External Web Update. Total fire ban across the state today. Detailed list of threat/alert/advice messages is given. DSE.0013.0071.0284 DSE.HDD.0002.2619 DSE.HDD.0002.2628

DSE.0017.0115.0051 07-Feb-09 2330 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Murrindindi Mill for Taggerty, Acheron, Thornton, Rubicon, Snobs Creek, Eildon, Alexandra and Molesworth. An update on the Marysville township: We understand that everyone is safe in Marysville and are assembled at Gallipoli Park. DSE.HDD.0002.0042

DSE.0017.0115.0052 07-Feb-09 2330 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Bracewell Fire (Bendigo). Fire front largely contained with perimeter along Marong Road, Eaglehawk Road, Bracewell Street and Upper California Gully Road. The fire is still burning inside that perimeter. Some homes to the north of DSE.HDD.0002.1197 Eaglehawk Road are still subject to ember attack.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2332 ABC 774 Melbourne, Premier John Brumby. If you do not need to travel, then do not, stay at home. Today, if anything, was worse than predicted. Today is worse than Ash Wednesday, worse than black Friday in terms of climatic conditions.

DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2342 ABC 774 Melbourne, ABC reporter: Megan Flamer. Bunyip Ridge fire is threatening towns of Tarago, Jindivick West, Jindivick North, Neerim, Neerim South, Neerim East. Visitors are advised to stay away from Bunyip State Park, Kurth Kiln Regional Park, Tarago Forest and surrounding areas. Urgent threat message for Bracewell fire in Bendigo. Urgent threat message for Beechworth at Barwidgee Creek, Mudgegonga, Rosewhite, Murmungee and Carols Road. A later wind change will mean towns of Yackandandah, Stanley and Barong will be under threat. For Murrindindi fire, the DSE understands that everyone in Marysville is safe.

Member of public: Denise At Kinglake at present there are lots of fires, they are surrounded by fire. DSE.0016.0103.0033 07-Feb-09 2342 Joint Urgent Threat Message, Beechworth. Moving SE. The fire is spotting well ahead of the fire. The communities of Barwidgee Creek, Mudgegonga, Rosewhite, Murmungee and residents along Carrols Rd (near Mudgegonga) should prepare to be directly impacted by this fire. DSE.HDD.0008.0125 07-Feb-09 2352 ABC 774 Melbourne, CFA Incident controller: John Deering at Redesdale fire. The fire has spotted over the road, and is in very difficult country. Fire over 10,000ha and spreading. Not contained but it may be within the next hour.

ABC reporter: Mary Jane Fenech Extensive road closure details given

ABC reporter: Tim Cox 11 major fire fronts across the state. DSE.0045.0361.0020 07-Feb-09 2355 Joint Threat Message (#9), Redesdale - Coliban Park Road for Baynton, Glenhope and in the vicinity of Franklins Road, Randalts Lane and Dead Dog Lane . Fire over 10,000ha burning NE. DSE.0045.0361.0043 DSE.0045.0361.0044 DSE.0017.0115.0050

DSE.0017.0115.0047 07-Feb-09 2400 Joint Threat Message (#19), Bunyip State Park. Burning NE due to the recent wind change. The towns of Tarago, Jindivick West, Jindivick North, Neerim, Neerim South, Neerim East, Neerim Junction, Neerim North, Whites Corner, Noojee are experiencing ember DSE.HDD.0002.1236 attack and heavy smoke.

DSE.HDD.0002.0540 07-Feb-09 2400 Joint Alert Message (#18), Bunyip Ridge The Bunyip Ridge fire north of Drouin is burning in a north-easterly direction due to the recent wind change. Warragul, Nilma, Nilma North Darnum, Ellinbank, Gainsborough, Clovealea need to be aware that fire activity in the DSE.0017.0115.0049 area has increased and has the potential to impact directly. DSE.HDD.0002.0563

No Doc ID. 07-Feb-09 2400 State Snapshot - IRIS resources. Snapshot of state fire status' and resource distribution. 982 DSE personnel were deployed across the state today. 1369 NEO staff deployed.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 2400 IRIS Resources. Resources deployed today to Murrindindi Mill fire according to IRIS. NEO: 167 personnel, 2 Dozers, 3 slip on units and 4 CFA personnel.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 2400 IRIS Resources. Resources deployed today to Beechworth fire according to IRIS. NEO: 17 Personnel, 2 Tankers, 2 Slip on units.

No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 2400 IRIS Resources. Resources deployed today to Bunyip Ridge fire according to IRIS. NEO: 770 personnel, 6 dozers, 1 Tanker, 168 Slip on units. 33 CFA personnel, 1 contractor, 6 local government personnel, 34 personnel from an unrecorded agency and 23 personnel from anther government department. No Doc ID 07-Feb-09 2400 Resources deployed today to Heyfield # 25 fire according to IRIS. NEO: 48 personnel, 1 Dozer, 2 slip on units. 4 Contract personnel with 1 Dozer.

DSE.0038.0315.0015 06-Feb-09 Unknown Joint Media Release, High Fire Danger for Saturday 7th February. Fire danger for Saturday is extreme. Fire authorities have stepped up their level of readiness. Asking people to modify their weekend plans to start implementing their bushfire plans today.

DSE.0016.0110.0001 07-Feb-09 Unknown VBIL, Daily Reports. Contains statistics relating to phone calls. 10,726 calls received between 1600 on 7th of Feb and 0600 8th Feb. Most of the calls received were in regards to the Kilmore East, Yarra Valley, Yea - Murrindindi and Bunyip State Park fires.

DSE.0029.0256.0217 07-Feb-09 Unknown Information Update, Bushfires 7 February 2009. 14 people have been killed as a result of the bushfires. More are injured. Many fires are still going.

DSE.0037.0298.0001 07-Feb-09 Unknown Information Releases, Colac ICC - Otway IMT. Contains many fire information releases for this fire for the 7th of February 2009.

DSE.0037.0308.0001 07-Feb-09 Unknown Parks Victoria Media Release. Park Closures, Otway. Contains an email listing the park closures as well as a Parks Victoria media release "Otway visitor sites close due to extreme weather conditions".

DSE.0022.0215.0011 Unknown Unknown Port Phillip IFACC Strategic Planning Cell, Identifies the strategic planning contacts for the Port Phillip IFACC. Contacts of Woori Yallock, Benalla, Alexandra, Kangaroo Ground, Kilmore, Noojee, Traralgon and IECC are included. Purpose is to coordinate a strategic DSE.0027.0239.0001 plan to manage major fires including Kinglake Complex North and South and Maroondah and Bunyip Complexes.

This document is subject to legal professional privilege 8/05/20096:51 PM D:\ringtail\casebook_data\Working Folders\2009_Victorian_Bushfires\090508_15_Import_Witness_Statements\WIT.002.002\Client_168348_1.XLS 20