"The chalet is still there."
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These words yesterday from Forest Fire Management Victoria deputy incident controller Leith McKenzie were a relief to many who had fears for the Mount Buffalo Chalet, as fire continued to run out of control on the mountain.
The CFA again issued evacuation orders on Friday with the expectation of worsening condition after 3pm.
The fire had spread from the southern part of Mount Buffalo on Thursday in conditions that authorities did not believe were that dangerous.
"It didn't take any notice of what we were trying to do and it hit some areas where it could do a very quick uphill run," Mr McKenzie told a community meeting at Bright yesterday.
"It's right on the top of Mount Buffalo now - it's nowhere near the chalet as yet."
He said firefighters would conduct back-burning near the mountain and among the Alpine ash trees in the Buckland Valley to protect communities, but only as far as it was safe.
"It's just too dangerous to have people in there ... We'll light it up, but we won't be staying in there and we just hope that the aircraft can monitor it," he said.
"We don't have any crews on Mount Buffalo except to protect the chalet.
"To do work up there at the moment, it's just not safe for them."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Ovens incident controller Michael Masters said the works to protected the chalet included the removal of fuels and flammable items around the building, activation of hydrant and sprinkler systems, the filling of water tanks and the 300,000-litre swimming pool, and lines of fire retardant deployed around the building.
Historical items of significance have been removed and placed in secure storage.
"We are acutely aware that the essential infrastructure and assets on Mount Buffalo are important to the community and emergency services," Mr Masters said.
"Our firefighters are committed to protecting these assets and understand the historical significance of the chalet and its deep connection within the broader community."
Bright community members were worried about how ash from the fires might affect drinking water.
Senior Sergeant Larry Goldsworthy said North East Water has assure them the water quality is safe.
"For the people in the Alpine areas relying on tanks, if you've had a lot of ash in your area, get rid of it now and don't let it get into your tanks because that is one of the issues they're having up at Corryong," Mr McKenzie said.
