Fires burning

Fires burning

Bushfires continue to burn in East Gippsland more than a week after a band of lightning swept through the region and ignited a substantial number of blazes.

The bushfire nine kilometres east of Bruthen is not yet under control, but in the cooler conditions fire activity has reduced and there are no threat to communities on Sunday afternoon at time of going to press.

Activity on this fire may increase this week as warmer weather conditions evolve on Thursday with now being the time to take the opportunity to review and create your fire survival plan.

An advice message was issued for Buchan, Ensay, Ensay North, Holstons, Nunniong, Reedy Flat and Timbarra for a blaze 6km east of Ensay that was not yet under control.

Firefighting crews are working to control the fire using heavy machinery and aircraft.

Rain fell over sections of the fire Saturday morning but was not enough to put the fires out. It is possible that fire activity will increase as temperature increases and the forest dries out.

Buchan, Butchers Ridge, Gelantipy, Murrindal, W Tree and Wulgulmerang West received an advice message for an out of control bushfire 2km east of W Tree that was 10,500ha in size.

Cooler weather conditions decreased fire activity, but some smoke may still be visible. In the coming days ground crews will be building and maintaining containment lines on the southern edge of the fire.

On the far north edge of the fire, ground crews will be continuing manual construction of fire breaks.

The 63 hectare blaze 15km north of Glenaladale was brought under control last Friday, however a 3183ha bushfire at the west side of Barmouth Spur was still out of control on Saturday evening.

A blaze 12km north-east of Tambo Crossing was out of control, while two fires south of Tosatree had been brought under control.

Three fires west of Gelantipy were under control Sunday morning, but a blaze 10km northeast of Bindi was not yet under control with one vehicle responding.

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