By KATH GANNAWAY
A FIRE that wiped out a logging coupe and machinery near Powelltown last week had fire crews on site and on stand-by for three days.
The fire started about 6.45pm on the night of Monday 27 January on the Learmonth Creek Road coupe reducing the 29 hectare site to ash and rock and prompting advice messages throughout the week to nearby towns including Brittania Creek, Millgrove, Powelltown, Warburton, Wesburn and Yarra Junction.
Nearly 60 fire-fighters from Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, CFA and VicForests, and air support, worked throughout Monday night into a blistering Total Fire Ban day on Tuesday continuing to monitor the site identifying hot spots and strengthening containment lines.
As of yesterday (Monday 3 February) VicForests staff and contractors and DEPI were continuing to monitor and patrol the site which was offically contained late on Tuesday last week.
VicForests general manager Nathan Trushell said it is a requirement of VicForests contractors to carry fire-fighting equipment during summer and that work-times are restricted based on the Forest Fire Danger Index.
“The timber harvesting crew worked immediately to suppress the fire and, unfortunately, a harvesting machine was burnt during this incident,” Mr Trushell said.
Investigations are continuing into the cause of the fire.
Up to date fire information and warnings can be accessed at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the FireReady app or phone the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
