Image: the emergency.vic.gov.au map of the fire and advice area, which has remained unchanged for days.
Hard-working fire crews have brought the Seaview bushfire under control despite windy conditions, but the CFA still has advice for surrounding communities.
Important: this information is correct at time of publication but could change. Visit emergency.vic.gov.au for the latest information.
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People in Allambee, Allambee Reserve, Cloverlea, Ellinbank, Ferndale, Gainsborough, Seaview, Trida, Yarragon, and Yarragon South have been told there is presently no threat to them, but “you should plan for what you will do if the situation changes.”
“Several fire trucks will remain in the area and on local roads. Please drive carefully in these areas and be aware of emergency vehicles in your area.”
The fire area is currently 254 hectares.
Trevor Owen, the CFA’s assistant chief officer for the area, took to twitter to praise emergency crews this afternoon.
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“Good work by Firefighters over the past week has kept the Seaview bushfire in containment lines while under strengthening winds conditions today,” Mr Owen wrote.
“Well done to [CFA Gippsland, Forest Fire Management Victoria, and] our partner forest industry brigades.
“Keep up the good team work and stay safe.”
The community information point at the Darnum Memorial Hall and the CFA information bus in Mirboo North are now closed.
Important: this information is correct at time of publication but could change. Visit emergency.vic.gov.au for the latest information.
OLD COVERAGE
Seaview bushfire: Watch and Act gone, but blaze still uncontrolled
14 March 2018, 13:40
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Cloverlea, Ellinbank, and Seaview are no longer being told to Watch and Act for a bushfire, but the blaze remains uncontrolled.Important: this information is correct at time of publication but could change at any time. Visit emergency.vic.gov.au for the latest information.
Advice from the Country Fire Authority states “there is currently no threat” to Allambee, Allambee Reserve, Cloverlea, Ellinbank, Ferndale, Gainsborough, Seaview, Trida, Yarragon, Yarragon South, but residents “should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.”
“This Advice message replaces the previous advice message for this area and the previously issues watch and Act message for these communities.
“The bushfire in the MCDONALDS TRK, SEAVIEW area is currently 254 hectares in size.
“This bushfire is not yet under control.
“Every effort is being made to bring the fire under control as soon as possible however fire services are concerned about the forecast for increased temperatures and strong winds for this coming weekend.
“This bushfire is burning in steep terrain making access and fire suppression works very difficult and time consuming.
“Fire-fighters are continuing to work day and night constructing control lines and undertaking fire suppression works to bring this bushfire under control.
“Cooler temperatures and calm winds have resulted in a decrease In fire activity within the bushfire.”
Important: this information is correct at time of publication but could change at any time. Visit emergency.vic.gov.au for the latest information.
UPDATE 22:07: The time of tomorrow’s community meeting at Darnum Memorial Hall has been moved to 2pm.
OLD COVERAGE:
Cloverlea, Ellinbank, and now Seaview under Watch and Act
12 March 2018, 19:20
Image: the updated Watch and Act and Advice areas marked on emergency.vic.gov.au. Accessed 19:13.
Ellinbank, Cloverlea, and now Seaview have been issued Watch and Act advice for a bushfire near Mount Worth State Park.Over 30 emergency vehicles are fighting the 230ha fire, which is still yet to be controlled.
Important: this information is correct at time of publication but could change at any time. Visit emergency.vic.gov.au for the latest information.
Residents of Allambee, Allambee Reserve, Ferndale, Gainsborough, Trida, Yarragon, and Yarragon South have been told there is “currently no threat” to their communities, but they “should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.”
A community meeting was held in Darnum this afternoon regarding the Seaview bushfire. The Baw Baw Shire Council says a second community meeting about the fire has been scheduled for 3pm Thursday 15 March at the Darnum Memorial Hall.
Image: the fire as photographed on Saturday night by Chloe Prideaux.
“Burning out operations are planned to commence later today (12 March 2018) and this will result in an increase in smoke in the area,” a Country Fire Authority spokesperson said in a statement.
“Residents in the immediate area [covered by the Watch and Act message] are advised to enact their fire plan.
“Continue to monitor local conditions and media releases.
“This fire is burning in steep terrain and is producing significant smoke.
“There is a significant amount of emergency vehicle traffic active in this area. Members of the public are asked to keep the roads clear so that emergency vehicles can respond quickly and safely.”
Related: Police ask Seaview/Ellinbank fire ‘spectators’ to stay away
Warragul Fire Brigade will be hosting a recruitment session tonight.
“We’ve had a lot of interest in volunteering, we will be hosting an impromptu recruitment session at the Warragul Fire Station, Gladstone St Warragul 7.30pm tonight,” a spokesperson said on social media.
“If you live or work in Warragul, come and see us, if you don’t, come and see us anyway! We’ll be happy to put you in touch with your local brigade.
“Can’t make it? head over to the CFA website and submit an expression of interest.”
Important: this information is correct at time of publication but could change at any time. Visit emergency.vic.gov.au for the latest information.
OLD COVERAGE:
Seaview bushfire: Cloverlea added to Ellinbank Watch and Act
12:23/16:05, 11 March 2018
Image: an updated map of the advice area from emergency.vic.gov.au, accessed at 4.05pm, 11 March.
The bushfire which started near McDonalds Track, Seaview yesterday remains uncontrolled, with Ellinbank and Cloverlea still covered by Watch and Act messages.
UPDATE 16:05, 11 March: The Watch and Act area has been extended to include Cloverlea. This article has been updated to reflect that.
Information from the Country Fire Authority states “leaving now is the safest option – conditions may change and get worse very quickly.”
“Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.”
Important: this information is correct at time of publication but could change at any time. Visit emergency.vic.gov.au for the latest information.
The CFA has issued a new advice message for those in Allambee, Allambee Reserve, Ferndale, Gainsborough, Seaview, Trida, Yarragon, and Yarragon South of the fire, but “there is currently no threat to communities.”
“You should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.”
Related: Police ask Seaview/Ellinbank fire ‘spectators’ to stay away
A Warragul Fire Brigade Facebook post describes the area the fire is burning in as having “extremely hilly terrain which is proving difficult to access.”
“The fire is not yet under control. Ground crews supported by aircraft are working on containing the fire.
“You may see smoke in the area today.”
Bulldozers and aircraft are operating in the area, and ten firefighting vehicles are presently responding.
Image: smoke seen from north-eastern Warragul early this morning.
Warragul South, Yarragon South, Seaview, Tetoora Road, Allambee, and Torwood were included in Watch and Act messages last night and this morning, but the situation has since changed.
Important: this information is correct at time of publication but could change at any time. Visit emergency.vic.gov.au for the latest information.
OLD COVERAGE:
UPDATED: Watch and Act for bushfire near Mount Worth
22:50, 10 March 2018
Image: an updated map of the advice area from emergency.vic.gov.au, accessed at 12.43am, 11 March.
Ellinbank, Warragul South, Yarragon South, Cloverlea, Seaview, Tetoora Road, Allambee, and Torwood have been warned of an uncontrolled bushfire in the area.
Emergency services have issued Watch and Act messages for people in the area.
UPDATE 12.50am 11 March: The Watch and Act area was extended to include Yarragon South and Allambee at around midnight. Updated map above.
Please note: this information is correct at time of publication but could change at any time. Visit emergency.vic.gov.au for the latest information.
“There is a bushfire at MCDONALDS TRK, SEAVIEW that is not yet under control,” the CFA message states.
“The bushfire is travelling in a north-westerly direction towards Ellinbank.
“Don’t wait, leaving now is the safest option – conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency Services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.”
Related: Police ask Seaview/Ellinbank fire ‘spectators’ to stay away
The message includes the following information on what those in the area should do:
“When you leave remember to take your pets, mobile phone and medications.
“Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
“If you are away from home do not return.
“Monitor conditions for changes in the situation.”
The latest information can be found at emergency.vic.gov.au.
At time of writing, around 14 vehicles are responding to the “medium”-sized fire.
Please note: this advice is correct at time of publication but is subject to change. Visit emergency.vic.gov.au for the latest information.
UPDATE 12.50am 11 March: outdated information has been removed from this article.
Update 11.10PM: Just a clarification: the second fire marked on the map is the location of a “small” building fire on Petersons Road, Ellinbank.
