Local emergency services have issued a plea to the public to avoid areas recently burnt by fires, even if they might appear safe.

This statement was published by VicEmergency on Tuesday, January 13, following a week of fires across the state:

Firegrounds may look safe once a fire has passed. However, it is essential to give recovery crews time to assess the area and make it safe for people to return.

These areas can be littered with fire-killed trees that can fall at a moment’s notice.

The ground can also become unstable due to fire damage, and fire could be hidden within the soil.

If any location is deemed unsafe or inaccessible, that means that you cannot enter, even if residents within these locations are requesting aid or supplies.

Authorities are aware of the local community and their needs and are prioritising road access and critical support.

Emergency service workers are doing the best they can to respond to fires across the state.

The last thing that they need is to divert resources to someone that didn’t heed the warnings and closures.

Communities should remain alert and keep up to date via the VicEmergency website and app, and emergency broadcasters including ABC local radio.

You can learn more about road closures in your area by visiting VicTraffic at traffic.transport.vic.gov.au

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