Fireground still under watch after January blazes

WEEKS after thousands of hectares burned in the Carlisle River and Gellibrand bushfires, crews are still monitoring the fireground to ensure it does not reignite.

The ongoing surveillance forms part of the broader recovery effort, particularly ahead of forecast high-risk weather days.

Wallington Fire Brigade’s Craig Warren said even when a bushfire is declared “stopped”, the work continues.

“The intention is to declare a fire safe. We don’t want it to start up again,” he said.

To manage risk of residual heat and sparks, the CFA uses thermal imaging technology from aircraft and on the ground.

 

“Quite a number of the firefighting aircraft are equipped with thermal imaging cameras and they can fly over the fire and detect any hotspots,” Warren said.

“Sometimes you get burning roots and wood deep under the earth and they’ll get away and then get the fire going again.”

Monitoring increases ahead of forecast high-risk weather. Recently, crews patrolled burn sites in advance of an RL3, or readiness level 3, day.

“On the first hot and windy days predicted after a big fire, we’ll check the site a day before and in the morning of,” Warren said.

“RL3 means ‘readiness level 3’. Strike teams are formed, sector commanders chosen, and overall CFA members are on a heightened level of readiness in case of fire.

 

“We can do something about it a day before. If it breaks out on the day, it’s too late.”

This monitoring continues until a significant amount of rain has fallen across the fireground.

Recovery efforts also extend beyond containment lines.

Since the fires, the CFA has continued welfare checks and mental health support for affected residents.

 

“People have different reactions,” Warren said. “Some are confronted… or dealing with property loss. It can have a deep emotional impact.

“We provide some services and refer people to professional support when needed.”

Land rehabilitation work with Forest Fire Management Victoria is ongoing, including clearing sections of burnt bushland and replenishing farm water supplies used during firefighting operations.

Warren urged residents to remain vigilant in and around burned areas and to call Triple Zero if they notice anything concerning.

“We don’t mind going to a concern that people have,” Warren said. “Part of our job is to try and bring a bit of comfort to them.”