Lightning keeps bushfire crews busy

Lightning keeps bushfire crews busy

15 February 2007

published by www.theaustralian.news.com.au

Vicotria, Australia — Lightning has sparked at least 37 new bushfires acrossVictoria today.

Widespread thunderstorms that yesterday sparked a further 37 blazes againswept across Victoria this afternoon, keeping fire crews busy, Department ofSustainability and Environment (DSE) state duty officer Richard Alder said.

The largest of the new fires, a 20-hectare fire at Mt Lawson, near Walwa inthe Upper Murray valley, began yesterday, Mr Alder said.

Victorian firefighters are also assisting crews in NSW on a 2,800-hectareblaze north-west of Walwa.

More lightning strikes are expected tomorrow, with temperatures rising to thehigh 30s for the weekend, but strong northerly winds are not predicted untilSunday, Mr Alder said.

“The wind might get a little bit fresh on Sunday. It’s still an awkwardsituation,” Mr Alder said.