Fire at Blampied
24 February, 2012 3:14PM AEDT
A grassfire approximately 60 hectares in size is out of control, currently creating spot-fires approximately up to 1.5 Kms ahead. Communities affected include: Mount Prospect, Sailors Falls, Eganstown, Sailors Hill, Musk Vale, Blampied.
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/02/24/3438983.htmThreat eases as forest blaze near Daylesford contained
Georgia Wilkins
February 24, 2012 - 5:06PM
A fast-moving grass and forest fire that was threatening homes near Daylesford has been brought under control.
The fire has been contained and is no longer threatening homes, a CFA spokesman said.
The blaze burnt through 37 hectares of grassland and blue gum plantations at the edge of the Wombat State Forest, south-west of Daylesford. One shed was destroyed.
Firefighters remain at the scene blacking out the fire.
Residents in Telegraph, Hurns and Sucklings roads in Blampied have been advised that fire and smoke may be visible in the area for some time and to stay off the roads until the fire is extinguished.
A CFA spokesman said 50 fire trucks and four aircraft were involved in fighting the fire that raged out of control for three hours.
It was originally thought to have been 60 hectares in size and was feared to reach homes in six towns surrounding the Wombat State Forest.
Residents were sent emergency text messages and warning signals were broadcast on radio after the blaze began about 1.30pm.
Parts of the Midland Highway were closed but have since been reopened.
Meanwhile, a total fire ban has been declared for tomorrow in three districts - central, including Melbourne and Geelong; South-west; and Wimmera.
Aerial firefighters are on standby in the state’s south-west ahead of this weekend's ncreased fire risk.
The weather bureau has predicted high-than-normal temperatures and northerly winds across the state for tomorrow and Sunday.
CFA state duty officer Craig Brownlie said all Victorians should be ready for above-average temperatures and high winds, especially those in the south of the state.
"The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast temperatures in the mid to high 30s for most of the state which creates a significant risk," he said in a statement.
"High winds tomorrow morning will also further increase the risk, particularly in the south-west of the state where we have aircraft and resources ready to be deployed."
"There is the possibility of a TFB [total fire ban] being declared for some areas tomorrow and people need to be aware of how this affects them," Mr Brownlie said.
"People travelling around the state, camping and enjoying the summer weather need to take extra care. People need to have a plan about what to do if a fire breaks out and need to be aware of the local conditions," Mr Brownlie said.
A spokesman for the Bureau of Meteorology said temperatures would climb 10 to 12 degrees above the monthly average throughout the state tomorrow, the highest expected in Horsham, where a top of 39 is expected.
He said the north of the state would reach the high 30s today and again on Saturday and Sunday, with southern areas reaching mid 30s.
Fresher northerly winds posed an increased risk of fire for these areas.
"Today winds are fairly light, but over the next two days the northerly will be fresher, which increases fire danger," he said.
The heat spell is expected to end on Monday, with the built-up humidity bringing rain and thunderstorms
http://www.theage.com.au/environment/weather/threat-eases-as-forest-blaze-near-d..."Residents were sent emergency text messages"
Where was MINE ?
Where was my PARTNERS ?
Where were my two closest NEIGHBOURS "emergency text messages" ?
... on the ONE, the ONLY thing, I am ENTIRELY dependent of - and in the HANDS of - the Baillieu Government
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