The Strathbogie fires’ warnings have been downgraded to ‘Stay informed’.
Residents in Boho, Warrenbayne, Baddaginnie, Boho South and Marraweeney have been told fires are now under control, but to monitor conditions and warnings in case that changes.
In the meantime, fires are burning further north, with residents of Glenrowan, Greta West and Laceby under a ‘Watch and Act — Monitor Conditions as they are changing’ warning.
At 10am on March 4, CFA issued this warning:
This Watch and Act message is being issued for Glenrowan, Greta West, Laceby.
There is a bushfire at Glenrowan Moyhu Rd that is not yet under control.
Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time.
You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
The situation can change at any time. You must continue 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.
Impacts in your area:
The following roads are closed: Glenrowan-Moyhu Rd between Laceby-Glenrowan Rd and Mills Rd in Glenrowan.
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A DEECA spokesperson said driver visibility may still be affected along the Hume Fwy near the Strathbogie Ranges fires.
On March 1 machinery, including seven large bulldozers and excavators, was deployed to construct containment lines around the Strathbogie Ranges fire.
Aircraft were also utilised for night firebombing 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.
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/