Vic: Monster blaze threatens communities = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2006
Vic: Monster blaze threatens communities = 2

Mr MONK says communities around Mt Beauty and the Tawonga Gap area are also on high
alert from a separate fire that's so far burned 10 thousand hectares.

He says fire is also backing down into the Gaffneys Creek area .. although there's
no direct threat to private property.

Fire crews and five Army bulldozers are building control lines around the Mt Terrible
fire south of Jamieson to help protect the Thomson catchment area.

Fire is within 10km of the Thomson catchment .. which feeds into Melbourne's major water supply.

Mr MONK says when conditions improve .. they'll also backburn to strengthen the lines.

The weather's expected to be worse tomorrow with temps climbing and north-north-westerly
winds gusting.

Smoke from the bushfires has again blanketed Melbourne .. casting an orange haze across
the city .. but hasn't caused delays at Melbourne Airport.

AAP RTV ce/gfr/bart

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC 2 (MELBOURNE)

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