the february 2009 fires - 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission

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2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission—Interim Report 1 THE FEBRUARY 2009 FIRES Bunyip Figure 1.7: Bunyip Ridge Track fire progression map Point of origin Nar Nar Goon Garfield Bunyip 0 2 4 Kilometres Drouin Warragul Source: Exhibit 6 – Statement of Waller, Attachment 46 (WIT.002.001.0895) at 0895 96 Interim Final Fire Perimeter Built Up Areas Roads Waterways Fire Origin Parkland Summary information Fire Danger Index The maximum fire danger index (FDI) was 81 at Coldstream AWS at 16:34 and an FDI of 111 was recorded at Latrobe Valley AWS at 13:30. 97 Fatalities No fatalities 98 House losses 24 houses 99 50 Overall area burnt 26,200 hectares 100 Firefighting resources At its peak, the fire was attended by 82 NEO personnel, in addition to tankers, dozers and 68 slip-on units. 101 Also deployed were 900 CFA personnel and 159 appliances; 2 air cranes (up to 7 February); and 2 water-bombing aircraft (these were assigned concurrently as crews were deployed). 102
The February 2009 Fires 1.61 1.62 1.63 1.64 1.65 1.66 The township of Drouin, on the edge of this fire area, has a population of 8000 people. The fire area encompasses the rural area of Labertouche, with a population of 1000. 103 At 17:21 on 4 February, a fire at Bunyip State Park — the Bunyip Ridge Track — was reported to DSE. The point of origin was 5 kilometres north-east of Tonimbuk, in native forest. As the fire was on public land, DSE was identified as the control agency. A joint DSE/CFA IMT was established at Belgrave on 4 February. 104 When it became apparent that the fire would not be readily controlled and when more severe weather was forecast, the IMT relocated to Pakenham ICC on 5 February. During 5–6 February, the fire grew to approximately 170 hectares. 105 As the fire had not been extinguished beforehand, planning for 7 February was carried out for a ‘worst case’ outcome. It was anticipated that, under strong northerly winds, the fire could escape and run towards private property and other assets. Fire spread predictions were prepared on 6 February for the period 12:00–23:00 on 7 February. These gave an indication that the fire would, without control measures, extend to at least Warragul and southerly to Drouin. 106 At around 03:00 on 7 February, the fire breached control lines on the eastern flank, burning through Mountain Ash and mixed species forest, with considerable spotting. The fire could be seen clearly from the Mount Gordon fire tower near Marysville. 107 Crews were withdrawn because of safety concerns. Fire behaviour was erratic for around 3 hours before it moderated around daybreak. It had travelled about 7 kilometres in a south-easterly direction into adjoining farmland. 108 From daybreak, aircraft bombed the fire using water and retardant to hold, for as along as possible, the southern movement of the firefront. Major runs occurred after midday, ultimately burning out of the forest area into cleared land. 109 The fire spotted and ran extensively through the farmlands but the southern edge was largely controlled into the night of 7 February. With the wind change it moved extensively in the forest to the east. 110 The fire was contained at 17:30 on 4 March, having burnt approximately 26,000 hectares, including nearly 19,000 hectares of forest and park. It was declared Under Control at 14:00 on 15 March. 111 Warnings 1.67 Key emergency and infrastructure managers were briefed on the afternoon of 6 February. Community meetings were held in towns in the predicted path of a fire escape, including Tonimbuk, Labertouche and Jindivick. All meetings were well attended by residents. 112 The first external update to the community was at 20:30 on 5 February. 1.68 113 The first urgent threat message for Garfield North, Tonimbuk, Labertouche, Robin Hood, Drouin West, Buln Buln, Tarago, Jindivick, Jindivick North, Longwarry, Longwarry North and Bunyip was issued at 13:30 on 7 February. 114 51
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