Crowds in the know

By Kath Gannaway
Ahead of what police and CFA representatives at the Fire Incident Control Centre in Woori Yallock predicted as a hot and windy Monday, the message being driven home was “go early, or stay and defend”.
At Warburton on Saturday evening people were told fire activity was still within control lines in the O’Shannassy, Armstrong and Upper Yarra Dam catchments north-east of Warburton, McMahon’s Creek and Reefton, but that no properties were under threat from the fires.
In Queens Park on Sunday the message was much the same – fire activity was within the control lines in the Mount Riddell and Mount Juliet bushland east of the town.
“Residents should expect smoke and flame activity in these areas, however no properties are currently under threat,” Deputy Incident Controller Brian Russell told an estimated 500 people.
Upper Yarra residents concerned about not being able to tune in to the ABC were told the ABC had gone on line with an FM transmission that gave better reception in the more remote Upper Yarra areas – FM107.1. Other alternatives, they were told was to stream the ABC on computer, or through Austar music channel.
Healesville Police Sergeant Tony van Gorp reiterated that residents had to be tuned in, alert and ready to activate their fire plan.
“We are in a low-risk situation for the next few days, but you can never say never,” he said.
“If you choose to go, don’t tell your neighbour, ‘I am evacuating’ – you are leaving because you are leaving – you are not being evacuated,” he said.
For those who choose to leave, the Shire of Yarra Ranges has activated a relief centre at the Lilydale Recreation Reserve in Lilydale.
Residents seeking accommodation for domestic animals can take them to the Victorian Animal Aid Trust, Killara Road, Coldstream. Horses can be accommodated at Lilydale Recreation Reserve, entry from Maroondah Highway, Lilydale.
Further meetings will be held at 6pm at the Warburton Mechanics Institute Hall and at Queens Park, Healesville, today (Tuesday), Thursday 27 and Saturday 29 February.