While this is a ‘threat reduced’ notice, local people are being asked to stay vigilant and be prepared if conditions change.
Forest Fire Management Victoria issued the following advice at 8am on Monday, March 3.
- The bushfire that started at Strathbogie State Forest is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is between Upper Boho Rd, James Track and Kays Track and is travelling in a northerly direction towards Davis Road.
- The spread of the bushfire has slowed for now, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
While the threat to life and property has been reduced, emergency services are telling affected communities to monitor conditions and be ready to act.
What you should do:
- Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
- Enact your fire survival plan.
- If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.
- If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
- Protect yourself and your family.
People living in the affected area are being told to leave if the situation changes or if they feel unsafe.
Remember to:
- Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
- Many people have died trying to leave at the last minute during fires.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area
Impacts in the area:
- The following roads are closed: Upper Boho Rd and Desaillys Rd, Upper Boho Rd and Boho Church Rd, Sessions Rd and Hurrell Rd.
- Smoke may be visible from the Hume Fwy and surrounding towns including Benalla, Euroa and Violet Town.
- Check the VicTraffic website (www.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
A DEECA spokesperson said there was also a ‘bushfire - stay informed’ notice for Baddaginnie, Boho, Boho South, Harrys Creek, Lima, Marraweeney, Violet Town, and Warrenbayne.
“Driver visibility may be affected along the Hume Fwy between Benalla and Euroa due to smoke,” the spokesperson said.
On March 1 machinery, including seven large bulldozers and excavators, was deployed to construct containment lines around the fire.
Aircraft were also utilised for night fire-bombing operations to slow the spread of the fire and support on-ground resources.
On Sunday, March 2 more than 100 firefighters from FFMVic, CFA and HVP worked together to manage the blaze.
On Sunday FFMVic Incident Controller, Scott Edwards, said the main focus was to directly attack the fire with aircraft, heavy machinery where it was safe, protect local properties, and keep the fire west of Kay’s Track, preventing it from entering the adjoining pine plantations.
Several fires continue to burn with two listed as ‘not yet under control’ as of midday on Monday, March 3.
Local community members have been rallying to assist people to get themselves, their pets and livestock to safety.
The Benalla Sports and Equestrian Centre, on the Midland Hwy has opened its gates to anyone affected by the fires for horses to be relocated, as has the Benalla Saleyards on Saleyards Rd.
Several local people have taken to community Facebook pages to offer support, in terms of places to put vehicles, and livestock.
Emergency services are urging people in the area to keep informed with updates on the VicEmergency app or via emergency.vic.gov.au/
