10.45PM TUESDAY:
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Most of the fires started by lightning across the North East were contained or under control by late on Tuesday night.
Forest Fire Management Victoria incident controller Scott Thomson said containment lines had been constructed after fires started outside Wodonga and throughout the Upper Murray, near Tallangatta and Corryong.
Mr Thomson praised the work of CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria officials, with the fires to be monitored throughout the night and into Wednesday morning.
“FFMVic and CFA firefighters on the ground were supported by aircraft, heavy machinery, including dozers and a rappel crew from Ovens,” Mr Thomson said.
“Containment lines have been constructed, however some of the fires are still burning within the containment lines.
“The fires will continue to be monitored into the night and ground and rappel crews will commence work first thing tomorrow morning.
“Aircraft will also undertake water bombing operations to help suppress the fires and residents in the area may see or smell smoke.
“While these fires weren’t threatening communities, it’s a timely reminder on how quickly a bushfire can start in extremely hot weather conditions.
“During the coming days temperatures will remain very high across much of northern Victoria, with strong north westerly and a gusty wind change on Friday, which will contribute to the increased fire danger.”
“Because of the prolonged heat, the region is extremely dry and any fires which start will be difficult to contain and may spread quickly.”
“We need people to be prepared for the potential impact of fires and have a clear plan for what they will do if fire threatens. This includes accessing information from the VicEmergency app, website or emergency broadcasters.”
5.45PM TUESDAY:
A SHORT thunderstorm set off multiple grass and scrub fires in the North East on Tuesday.
Firefighters were dispatched to a large number of fires about 3.10pm, including one on Huon Hill at Wodonga.
Water bombing aircraft were deployed to the incidents and an advice warning was put out to residents near the area.
People were warned there were no threats to their homes, but were urged to monitor the situation.
Bandiana residents were closely watching the incident.
"They seemed to have it very well under control with the water bombing,” Freda Hall said near the scene.
Fires were reported at Black Range Road and Plunketts Road at West Wodonga, Mt Granya, Tallangatta East, Annandale Road at Bullioh, and at Wises Creek Road at Talgarno.
Another was reported on the Murray River Road at Thologolong, and firefighters also responded further east at Guys Forest and Burrowye.
WHAT ELSE IS MAKING NEWS:
4PM TUESDAY:
FIREFIGHTERS are working to extinguish multiple fires started on the Border following lightning strikes.
Multiple units have been called to Huon Hill after a blaze started about 3.10pm on Tuesday.
The fire is not yet under control and thick smoke can be seen billowing from the scene.
The fire is travelling east towards Kenneth Watson Drive and Whytes Road, but there is no threat to properties at this stage.
Residents at Bandiana, Baranduda, Bonegilla and Killara are urged to monitor the conditions.
Fires have also been reported at Black Range Road and Plunketts Road at West Wodonga, Mt Granya, Tallangatta East, Annandale Road at Bullioh, at Wises Creek Road at Talgarno.
Another blaze has been reported at Murray River Road at Thologolong.
People can monitor the incidents at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
Temperatures around Albury-Wodonga dropped by more than 10 degrees, from 40 to below 30, as stormy weather swept through the area.
Up to 10mm of rain fell in parts across the Border, while others received no rainfall as strong winds hit the region.
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