9 Feb 2013

Alpine fire in Victoria

11:37 am on 9 February 2013

A large blaze threatened properties in the Alpine National Park region of Victoria on Friday night. An emergency warning remains in place for the Hotham Heights area.

Deputy state controller Shane Wright said the flames came within 80 metres of the houses.

The blaze has burned 14,000 hectares in rugged terrain and has sparked two spot fires.

A change in wind conditions has eased activity, but fires are still burning close to the village.

The ABC reports waterbombing planes will be used on Saturday against the flames.

Meanwhile, crews are monitoring a separate fire in Gippsland.

And the ABC reports a total fire ban was in place in north and south Tasmania on Friday.

The clean-up bill from the bushfires in Tasmania last month is yet to be determined. More than 100 properties were burned.