The CFA and Forest Fire Management response to the Hepburn-Manning Road fire was a great example of the combined work needed to contain bushfires, says CFA incident controller Jon Rofe.
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The blaze, which burnt through 28 hectares north of Hepburn on Saturday and Sunday, has now subsided dramatically due to good weather following a wind change on Monday morning.
“I’d like to acknowledge the great work by the on-ground firefighters and the amazing support they received by aerial bombers in keeping the fire relatively small and minimising its impact to Hepburn and surrounding areas,” Mr Rofe said.
“The combined work by all organisations involved was absolutely vital.”
Because the blaze was located in an area surrounded by firefighting resources, a quick response was able to be achieved.
“Having the resources readily available that we did was crucial in surrounding and containing the blaze,” Mr Rofe said.
“On high fire danger days, both our on-ground appliances and incident controls are on high alert, so that factors in to turning out a quick response.”
Mr Rofe again praised the community for not only their patience and support, but their readiness and ability to help those around them.
“Having the community informed during situations like these is crucial. Making sure they know to check multiple sources plays a vital role in keeping people safe. This also extends to looking after those around them.”
These sentiments were echoed by Emergency Services commissioner Andrew Crisp during a press conference on Sunday.
“It’s important for members of the public out there to stay across about what is happening across the state,” he said.
“You need to know how you can access information to make informed decisions – whether that’s through the Vic Emergency app, through the Vic Emergency hotline (1800 226 226) and website, and via social media.
“You need a number of different sources to ensure you get information to make good decisions about where you live or travel.”
One Daylesford resident, Sheree, said some people were getting frustrated that the Vic Emergency app was not being updated as much as they would have liked on Sunday night, but that by using multiple means of information people could stay informed.
As the conditions eased on Monday, CFA crews have been able to consolidate control lines, as well as undertake blacking out and burning out remaining fuel if required.
Crews will be working on the remains of the fire for a number of days.
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