Alert for residents of Morrisons and surrounds

Elaine Atchisons Road Fire 9:30amAlert for residents of Morrisons and surrounds 11/01/200

Incident Information
The Elaine Atchison Road fire, burning 11 kilometres north of Meredith , near Atchison Road, Morrisons (Map reference Vic Roads 77 C7), is burning in a southerly direction and is estimated to be 400 hectares in size.
The communities of Morrisons, Ballark, Meredith, Steiglitz, Moorabool Valley and Pioneer Ridge Road still need to remain alert due to the fire activity still in the area. Today, some residents will experience significant smoke and the possibility of embers.
Core Advice

• People in the area need to remain alert as there may not be a warning should conditions change unexpectedly. Continue to listen to ABC or local radio for updates on this fire.
• Be prepared to activate your bushfire survival plan if necessary.
• Road use in the area may be hazardous due to low visibility from smoke. Watch out for fallen trees, power lines, abandoned cars, wildlife and emergency services vehicles.
• If you plan to stay, remember to seek shelter from radiant heat. Should the fire reach your property, close all doors and windows and stay inside the house while the fire passes. Remain alert, extinguish any small fires and if necessary, move outside to burnt ground once the fire has passed.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Additional Information

• Road closures currently in place: Dollys Creek Road at the intersections of the Ballan-Meredith & Morrison-Elaine Roads

• Emergency relief centres are located at: A relief centre has been established at Elaine Hall. Red Cross reps are registering those who have elected to leave their homes.

• Community meetings are being held at: Friday 11th January 2008 at Railway Hotel, Elaine at 11:00am and Mt Egerton Hall at 1:00pm

• Resources committed to this fire are: 67 trucks, 6 dozers, 4 aircraft, 245 personnel

For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety advice, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call textphone/ telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969. Information is also available at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires