GFMC: Bush and Forest Fires in Australia
Bush and Forest Fires in Australia
13 January 2003
Latest Satellite Image from Australia
BushfiresRaging in Southeast Australia
This true-color ModerateResolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) image shows bushfires (reddots) raging in southeast Australia on 13 January 2003. The fires are heavilyconcentrated along the border of New South Wales in the north and Victoria inthe south. Across the Bass Strait from the mainland (see high-resolution image),a large fire is burning on Flinders Island.
Source: NASA/ EO
Australia´s fire seasons
Actual Fire Situation Maps,Victoria
An actual fire situation map can be found directly at:
http://www.nre.vic.gov.au/fires/updates/report/index.htm
Fire Weather Forecast for the Pacific Region
Fire Weather Index for the
Pacific Region for tomorrow.
(Source: ECPCFire Weather Index Forecast)
Statewide Fire Update 13 January 2003
Monday, 13 January 2003 – Over 700 firefighters from NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, State Forests and officers from other agencies are working hard on containment lines for remote area fires, particularly in southern NSW.
These are significant fires that are not causing concerns for property at the moment. However, they could threaten property over coming weeks and strategies and resources will focus on minimising this possible threat.
Containment of these fires is likely to be protracted.
Residents on the bushland interface, particularly in the alpine villages, are being cautioned to take advantage of the current, milder weather conditions, to ensure their properties are fully prepared for the on-set of bushfires.
Fire authorities are implementing containment strategies and firefighters are putting in many hours of hard work to establish control lines on these fires by backburning, waterbombing and bulldozing firebreaks.
A large amount of resources have been deployed to the area, including crews, tankers, aircraft and earthmoving equipment.
Kosciuszko National Park
The NPWS reports that of the 40 fires ignited by lightning last Wednesday in Kosciuszko National Park, about 20 are still burning over a combined area of more than 20,000ha.
More than 250 personnel and 31 aircraft are working on the fires, which are affecting the Rural Fire Districts of Snowy River, Tumbarumba, Tumut and Bombala.
The fires are burning most fiercely in the northern area of the park. The main areas of concern are the Yarrangobilly area in the north and in the Tooma and Scammels Ridge areas further south.
A cross border intelligence group is facilitating communication between NSW and Victorian fire authorities, particularly regarding fires in alpine areas of Victoria, which could impact on southern parts of Kosciuszko National Park.
Brindabella National Park
Backburning and containment work continues today on this fire, which has burned over 2000ha in the Brindabella National Park.
Easterly winds are pushing the blaze on its western edge. Twelve aircraft are assisting ground crews with containment efforts.
The fire is not causing property concerns at the moment. Out of area crews are assisting operations.
Three ACT fires are expected to impact on the Yarrowlumla Rural Fire District over the coming days. These are the Bendora, Stockyard Spur and Mt Gingera fires.
Source: NSW Rural FireService
Volunteer Recruitment Card
The volunteer recruitment card is now available from your district office.The card is designed to assist RFS Brigades in providing contact details of yourbrigade to prospective recruits.
During the week of 05 Dec-12 Dec Head Office answered more than 300 enquiriesfrom the public regarding joining the Service. This is a fantastic response tothe positive coverage received during the recent fires.
Please take advantage of the public interest and assist all potential memberswith their enquiries.
Further recruitment support documentation will follow in the near future. Itwill provide information on what to expect as a new member of the Service.
To see an example of the card go to http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/recruitcard.jpg
Martin Surrey
Manager Volunteer Relations
NSW Rural Fire Service
Phone 02 8845 3743
Fax 02 8845 3788
Source: NSW Rural FireService
For more information on Australia see the IFFN country notes and have a look at the Australian and New Zealand links.
For background Information see also: Recent Media Highlights on Fire, Policies, and Politics
