000 appeal

POLICE have asked people not to inundate the emergency 000 phone number with reports of smoke as a thick haze covers the state.
On the weekend people living across the state dialled the 000 number to alert the emergency services of their concerns of what they thought were nearby fires.
Police have advised that people should only call 000 to report actual fires or other incidents where urgent police or emergency service attendance is required.
Emergency services also attended a number of call-outs on Saturday after thick smoke triggered smoke alarms in many areas not directly affected by the fires.
People concerned about excessive smoke can call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.