FIRE crews have successfully contained two significant bushfires that had been burning in remote High Country terrain near Mount Margaret Track, Licola, and Wonnangatta Valley, Dargo.
A cool change and rainfall over the weekend helped bring the fires under control after they had burned more than 8700 hectares.
Despite the scale of the fires, they received little media attention.
The fire 7.3km northeast of Licola had burned 5,642 hectares, with 27 emergency vehicles responding at its peak.
The fire at Wonnangatta Valley reached 3,076 hectares, with 24 vehicles deployed.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) confirmed that multiple bands of dry lightning since March 9 had sparked 28 fires across the state’s far South West, including the High Country blazes.
Crews had been working to contain the Mt Margaret Track fire, successfully holding it south of the Wellington River for a sustained period before the weekend rains assisted suppression efforts.
A separate fire near East Caledonia Track was quickly extinguished by rappel teams on Thursday afternoon.
Authorities had warned that continued warm and dry conditions could increase fire activity.
While no immediate threat to communities emerged, campers and hikers were urged to plan ahead, as several campgrounds, walking tracks, and four-wheel-drive routes remained closed in fire-affected areas.
The fires reignited debate over fire management practices, particularly the timing of planned burns.
Some residents questioned whether a recent controlled burn contributed to the fires, though authorities maintain they were ignited by dry lightning.
On social media, Troy Vertigan expressed frustration over the timing of controlled burns.
“To initiate a burn heading into five days of 30+ temperatures, tinder-dry conditions, and massive undergrowth is utter, absolute, and complete incompetence,” he said.
“Can’t help but think this complete madness is part of a bigger agenda at play here.”
Others, however, disputed claims about extreme dryness.
“Record lack of summer rainfall? Just down the road at Waterford, BOM records show the highest ever February rainfall of 180mm,” Peter Harbridge pointed out.
Meanwhile, Josh Price took a pragmatic view of the situation, noting,
“The Wellington area needs a good burn anyway,” he said.
“And the tracks sound like they got fixed.
“Win-win.”
FFMVic responded to concerns, stating that planned burns are conducted when conditions allow for manageable fire behaviour.
The agency also reiterated that autumn typically provides more predictable weather for these operations.
Authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to stay informed about fire conditions and closures.
Up-to-date information is available at emergency.vic.gov.au, traffic.transport.vic.gov.au, and parks.vic.gov.au.
