UPDATE
TUESDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 2014 07:01
Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit and
Arson and Explosive Squad detectives are seeking public assistance in relation
to the Hazelwood open cut mine fire.
The fire, which has been burning for
more than two weeks, is believed to have started at a site on the Strzelecki
Highway between Morwell and Mirboo North on 9 February at around 1.30pm.
An arson chemist has attended and
police are treating the fire as suspicious.
The fire progressed along the
Strzelecki Highway through the HVP timber plantation, causing significant
damage to plantations, fences and structures, before making its way into the
Hazelwood open cut mine where it continues to burn.
There were also a number of smaller
suspicious grass fires around the immediate area in Yinnar, Hazelwood and
Boolarra on 28 January and again on the morning of 9 February.
Investigators believe an arsonist may
be active in the area and could continue to light fires on high fire danger
days.
Police wish to speak to anyone who
witnessed any suspicious behaviour in these areas and urge anyone who believes
they may know the person responsible to contact police.
Anyone with information about the fire
is to asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or
visit
Inspector Ian Geddes
Manager Media Unit
VP32189/2014 – 6892
THE elderly, young
children, pregnant women and people with lung problems are being advised to
leave the worst-affected area near the Hazelwood coal mine fire, in a major
escalation of the crisis in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley.
The move comes amid
growing alarm in Morwell over rising carbon monoxide levels, ash and smoke from
a fire that’s been burning for almost three weeks.
Authorities are advising
vulnerable residents in the southern part of Morwell to move temporarily, with
the fire in the open-cut mine expected to continue to blanket Morwell in thick
smoke and ash for at least another 10 days.
However angry locals
heckled Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Rosemary Lester during her
announcement, which she says follows consistently poor air quality in Morwell
South.
Some residents demanded
to know why the relocation advice was only being issued now and why it didn’t
extend to the whole of Morwell.
“How about some truth
instead of bullshit,’’ one man yelled at Dr Lester.
“We can’t sleep, we
can’t go outside, we can’t breathe,’’ said one woman through tears.
“You can’t continue to
allow this to happen.’’
Dr Lester admitted it
was “unclear’’ what the medium effects of the smoke could be, but stressed it
was only people over 65, children under five, pregnant women and people with
pre-existing heart and lung conditions who should heed the advice to leave.
Fire authorities predict
the blaze, which has been burning in an open-cut coal mine for almost three
weeks, will continue to produce significant smoke and ash for at least another
10 days.....
