Check Conditions Before Visiting Parks and Forests

With multiple fires in the area north of Bairnsdale, Bruthen and Nowa Nowa, visitors to parks and forests are asked to carefully consider where they are heading and check local conditions before leaving home.

“The fire situation is very dynamic with extremely dry fuels in the area. This is due to three years of less than normal rainfall meaning all the forest fuels, from the fine litter on the ground to the large trees, are available to burn,” said Peter Brick, Incident Controller in Bairnsdale.

The Snowy River National Park, Mitchell River National Park and sections of the Alpine National Park north of Omeo are closed. Large areas of park and forest are not safe to enter.

Local roads are being closed as the fire impacts on them. Some roads are re-opened quickly once the fire passes while others will remain closed for a longer period.

The Snowy River National Park closure applies to all roads, walking tracks, campgrounds and day-visit sites within the park on the eastern and western side of Snowy River. The closure includes the river itself so kayakers and rafters wanting to travel south from the NSW border will need to leave the river at McKillops Bridge.

Many areas in East Gippsland including the Gippsland Lakes,  Buchan Caves, Errinundra National Park, Croajingolong National Park and Cape Conran Coastal Park remain unaffected by fire and are open for visitors to enjoy.

 “Before you head off into the bush please check the Vic Roads and Parks Victoria websites  and install the VicEmergency app or check the website for the latest fire information,” concluded Mr Brick