SIXTY-SIX firefighters from the Loddon Mallee region of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning have been deployed to the Surf Coast to assist their colleagues.
The crews have especially been sent to assist to bring the Wye River and Separation Creek fires, which destroyed more than 100 homes on Christmas Day, under control.
DELWP acting regional manager fire and land, Carsten Nannestad said 10 Mallee firefighters were deployed to the Wye River blaze on December 20 followed by another 20 on Boxing Day.
“This provided immediate coverage and relief for firefighters who had already been fighting the fires on Christmas Day,” he said.
Two task forces, made up of 18 fire crews each from Bendigo and Mildura, were also deployed on December 30 as additional resources were needed.
Other DELWP staff with specialist skills, including an airbase manager and aircraft officer, have also been sent to assist with handling of fire aircraft.
“Working a rotating shift, each taskforce works for five days to ensure the workload is shared and fatigue is reduced while keeping the community and each other safe. This also gives staff a chance to return home and catch up with family before their next deployment,” Mr Nannestad said.
Bulldozers and excavators have also been sent from the Loddon Mallee to make mineral breaks and containment lines and remove dangerous trees.
“Our firefighters have been working to protect asserts, patrolling and extinguishing hot spots and helping residents clean up their properties.”
The third rotation of Mallee taskforces returned to the Otways on Saturday to replace the Bendigo crew.
