CFA Media Contact: 5330 3124
DSE Media Contact: 9412 4777
Joint Media Release
From the State Control Centre
Wednesday, 23 December, 2009.
FIRE THREAT TO PRINCES HIGHWAY - POSSIBLE CLOSURE TOMORROW
Emergency services are warning drivers that an East Gippsland section of the Princes Highway
might have to be closed off tomorrow.
A fire is burning in the headwaters of the Thurra River, 5km east of Mt Kaye in state forest. This
is north east of Cann River. No communities are under threat, but emergency service chiefs
have agreed that it might be necessary to close a section of the road should the fire advance
towards it.
David Tainsh, the area of operations controller in East Gippsland, said that motorists should
consider making alternative arrangements or be prepared for potential delays to their journey.
He said: "The fire is not a threat to communities and should not be a cause for alarm. But it
might have an unfortunate impact on holiday motorists planning to use the Princes Highway.
And that's why we're advising motorists to alter their plans now, or be prepared for possible
delays."
Aircraft are continuing to drop water and retardant on the fire to slow its progress. The CFA is
reminding all local residents to tune into the emergency broadcasters: ABC local radio,
commercial radio stations, and SKY News TV or log onto the CFA website
NEWS 
