View from Mt Hotham

ALPINE/MT HOTHAM – FIRE UPDATE 1930   - 14^TH DECEMBER 2006

Today has been reasonably quiet with Hotham under a smoke haze with about 10 km’s visibility.  Wind has been slight for most of the day up until picking up this afternoon.

The winds have picked up significantly from the North West from around 1600 and have caused the fire located to the north of Harrietville and Bright (Tawonga Gap Complex) to pick up considerably.  Harrietville & Bright are currently experiencing ember and ash falls and the Alpine Road has been closed as of 1700 today.  At this stage Hotham cannot be accessed from the Bright side.  The boom gates on the Great Alpine Road at both Harrietville and the bridge at Hotham are closed – with only local and emergency traffic being able to pass.  The fire has moved through to the north of Mt Feathertop in a North east direction and is now quite visible from the resort (attached photo).  It appears to have crossed the Diamantina Spur area and was last reported to be situated in the Blair Hut area to the west of Mt Jim – best estimate around 6 to 7 km NNE of the resort.  The fire appears to be following the prediction issued by DSE this morning and is running parallel to the resort.   At 1800 the CFA Task Units have assembled at Loch carpark in the event the fire changes direction and moves toward Golden Point.  At this stage there is no reason for alarm, although it is now obvious that the areas previous burnt in 2003 are supporting significant combustion.   The current wind is from the NNW at about 19 knots gusting to 31 at the Mt Hotham weather station.  The southerly (SSW) change has crossed the Victorian coast at 1800, and appears from the Portland weather station to be carrying some precipitation and has wind strength around 15 – 20 knots.

There is an unconfirmed report of fire spotting in ‘The Twins’ area on the Bogong side of St Bernard.   At this stage there is no activity around Dinner Plain.

As previously mentioned, the CFA has located Task Forces at Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain and Falls Creek as precautionary measure.  ‘The Alberg’ has kindly provided accommodation to the CFA staff currently deployed for which the MHARMB is most appreciative.   ‘The General’ is providing catering for the staff on mountain.

The MHARMB has completed it’s machinery preparations including emergency back-up generation and some seven truck & 4WD mounted ‘slip-on’ fire units available should the CFA  / DSE require their deployment.  Snow making equipment has been strategically located with systems on standby.     The Loch snow making dam is being filled from Swindlers Creek and is currently holding some 19 mega litres of water.  

Up to date information about road closures in the area can be obtained from the MECC (Municipal Emergency Control Centre) in Bright on (03) 5755 0597.  The Board strongly advises that the MECC be contacted prior to any plans to travel to the NE.

Up-to-date radio information can be obtained from ABC Goulburn Murray on 106.5 FM, 89.7 FM, 91.7 FM, 97.7FM. Further information can also be obtained from the Victorian Bushfire Line on 1800 240 667 or the Resort Management Office:  (03) 5759 3550

Community Update 1900 hrs 14 dec (129 KB)