THE Aberfeldy-Donnellys fire is now 71,385ha in size, stretching from just south of Aberfeldy, to areas north of Heyfield and Glenmaggie.
Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria crews are working on patrolling, monitoring and blacking out hot spots, burning out unburnt areas within the fire perimeter (315km) and lighting backburns from control lines to halt the progress of the fire.
Firefighting vehicles, dozers, graders, excavators and aircraft are supporting ground crews with the fire suppression effort.
A DSE spokesperson said some fire-affected roads were only open to local traffic while crews continued to assess and remove any dangerous trees and clear tracks.
"The Blores Hill Mountain Bike track and local parks and reserves in the Glenmaggie area remain closed, but other public land areas outside the fire-affected area are open,'' the spokesperson said.
The weather forecast for the weekend indicates cool, mild and showery weather, which officials hope will slow the spread of the fire, but could create difficult conditions for firefighters to work in.
The Incident Management Team at Heyfield is hopeful that most areas of this fire will be behind solid control lines before the next run of hot weather.
The Wellington Shire Council and Department of Human Services are coordinating the recovery of communities and individuals affected by the fire.
Information for residents:
- Emergency Relief or Recovery Information and Support: Contact local Council on 1300 137 218 or visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency
- For Shire roadside issues: Contact local council on 1300 137 218
- For 24 hour injured wildlife and stock and domestic animals assistance call 136 186
- Fodder Enquiries: Victorian Farmers Federation on 1300 882 833
- Injured Animals and Stock and Land - Department of Primary Industries on 136 186
- For Small Animals call the Wellington Shire Pound on 5144 5940
