FIRE crews continue to work to contain a bushfire near Stawell.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bunjil Caves Road fire near Stawell is now 1800 hectares and is not yet contained.
More than 520 fire-fighters are working on it and the Grampians Northern Complex Fire, which has burnt 55,100 hectares.
The Grampians Northern Complex fire is contained.
Incident Controller Mark Gunning said fire crews would continue to work hard to secure control lines around the two fires.
“Fire-fighters working with firefighting aircraft undoubtedly saved many homes and assets at the height of these fires but crews must continue their efforts to consolidate control lines ahead of worsening fire weather next week to ensure properties are not threatened again,'' he said.
Mr Gunning said the difficult terrain challenged crews on the ground.
He said helicopters were helping to ignite and manage back-burns in the fire areas.
Mr Gunning urged people in the fire areas to remain vigilant and regularly seek information regarding the current fire situation.
He said there would be smoke visible in the area with fire still burning within the control lines and as a result of back-burning operations.
"People should not call 000 if they see smoke without first checking www.emergency.vic.gov.au, people should only call 000 if they see flames or a single column of smoke,'' he said.
Road closures: Bullochy Mary Road at the intersection of Pomonal Road; Bunjils Cave Road at the intersection of Glue Pot Road; Pomonal-Bunjil Caves Road at the intersection of Gunawarra Road; Browns Lane at the intersection of Black Range Road; Carlsens Road at the intersection of Horwood Road; and Monaghan Road at the intersection of Carlsens Road.
People can visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest information on road closures.
Residents can keep up with the latest warnings and advice via emergency.vic.gov.au, by downloading the FireReady smartphone application, through CFA’s Twitter and Facebook accounts or by phoning the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.