Fire help

LATROBE City Council put out a call for help to manage its response to the Hazelwood Mine Fire and Casey has responded wholeheartedly.
Over the past three days, 21 City of Casey staff members have been sent to Morwell to assist where they could.
Staff members have helped with door knocking efforts, in collaboration with volunteer organisations, the Red Cross and the Victorian Council of Churches, in the heavily affected areas of southern Morwell.
They handed out information packs with the latest news regarding the fire, a face mask and the opportunity to share their story and ask for further assistance.
The Hazelwood mine caught fire more than three weeks ago and the blaze has since been producing significant smoke and ash.
Many residents are concerned over the potential health implications of prolonged exposure to the heavy smoke and ash, as well as the rising carbon monoxide levels.
City of Casey’s director emergency management Greg Wood said the council was eager to assist Latrobe City Council with its communication and outreach strategy.
“The extra eyes and ears of our staff on the ground in the heavily affected areas will assist those people at risk to access the help they need, whether it be just an update on the fire or with evacuation assistance much sooner,” he said.
Victoria’s chief health officer Doctor Rosemary Lester has advised residents over the age of 65, children under five, pregnant women and people with pre-existing heart and lung conditions to temporality relocate.
Casey has supported the State Government’s call for people with holiday homes to offer accommodation to residents who need respite.
For more information on how to assist visit www.recovery.vic.gov.au/hazelwood-open-cut-mine.