Tarwin Lower fire ‘safe’ but brigades still on scene

THE Country Fire Authority has issued a community notice at lunchtime today, Saturday, January 1, that wind has increased in the area of the Tarwin Lower-Venus Bay grass fire, likely producing smoke that communities in the area will see throughout Saturday and into Sunday.

They have determined that the ‘threat is reduced’ after work on the fire, and in its aftermath, continued on overnight and into the day on Saturday.

“Emergency services and fire brigades are on scene attending to the fire; drivers are advised to exercise caution,” said the CFA.

Inverloch-Venus Bay Road is open. The Venus Bay Surf Lifesaving Club relief centre is closed.

“Smoke will be visible from nearby communities and roads.

“Emergency services will remain in the area.”

This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.

Speaking on Gippsland ABC Radio on Saturday morning, January 1, CFA Deputy Chief Officer Gary Cook said the location of the fire and the “rapid rate” at which it built, made it a serious concern.

“It wasn't a big fire, but it was impacting some residential buildings right on the eastern side of Tarwin Lower or Venus Bay, that area, so on the eastern side of the settlement there and the ‘watch and act’ and ‘emergency warning’ in fact was put in place while we dealt with that fire.

“It was quite an intense fire for a period of time there and fortunately, the brigades were able to get on top of that and not lose any other properties in that area.

“But it was quite concerning. As I say, it wasn't a big fire but just where it was and the rapid rate that it built meant that we had to take those actions.”

One of those watching the fire as it built, from when smoke was first visible, from about 6.30pm, on New Years Eve was nearby local farmer Colin McMicking.

“It seemed to have started out in the paddock, no one knows how, but it was burning in that area near the corner as you turn into Venus Bay,” Mr McMicking.

“After the season we’ve had, the growth has been prolific and there was a lot to burn. It took hold under the trees and initially, the wind was blowing towards Tarwin Lower.

“It turned around and the smoke started blowing over Venus Bay.

“It’s certainly one of those sorts of fires you worry about but fortunately they got it under control fairly quickly.

“They had an aerial bomber or two on it which helped and they kept at it through the night.

“We certainly didn’t need the fireworks from Inverloch this year, the blue and red light show from over there was a pretty good one.”

Mr McMicking said he believed the fire covered an area of 20 to 30 acres but certainly had the potential to expand if it had been allowed to get into the dunes.

“Now that it has burnt, I guess you could say it has reduced the fire risk on that side but they’ll no doubt be giving attention to any of the trees that may be still smouldering in this sort of weather.”

With one road in and one road out, the Venus Bay area has always been considered an area of significant fire risk but it is usually considered that the greatest threat would come from the western end of the peninsula.

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