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Walkers in bushfire zones

PostPosted: Wed 06 Mar, 2019 9:04 am
by sambar358
I was talking to a mate last night who's in the CFA and he's been on a tanker working the Licola fire over the past week. He mentioned that despite all access roads into the area being closed to the public and well signed as such the fire crews have been encountering quite a few bush walkers at popular parking spots at trail heads intent on setting off for walks into the fire zones ! For him this has been on the Tamboritha and the Howitt High Plains Road & south of Arbuckle Junction but other crews working the fire elsewhere in that general area have reported similar encounters.

Unattended cars parked along these roads were also noted so clearly some people are ignoring road side signage about these areas being closed and going ahead with their plans despite the obvious dangers to them and potentially and S&R crews who may be called out to assist them. Most of this area remains an active fire zone and will for probably weeks to come. With the Vic long weekend this weekend anyone planning a walking trip anywhere near these bush fire areas need to reconsider their plans and go elsewhere.....currently there are public access bans in much of the Licola, Dargo, Wonnangatta/Crooked river, Dargo High Plains, Dinner Plain, Buchan/Timbarra areas and Wilsons Prom all due to bush fire activity.

I have been told that Police will be patrolling these areas ensuring that road closures are adhered to and that no unauthorized entry to the fire zones occurs. Stay safe everyone. Cheers

s358

Re: Walkers in bushfire zones

PostPosted: Wed 06 Mar, 2019 10:19 am
by tastrax
It would certainly be much more graphic if all the roads that are closed were the red lines rather than just the symbols.

https://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/

Unfortunately, the average member of the public has no real idea on how fast and furious fires can be and how little hope they have of out-running a wildfire. They should also not expect any assistance from authorities whilst on a closed road or walking track.