LATEST:  all emergency warnings have now been downgraded to watch & act.  very poor air quality though across much of Melbourne and the east of the State.

Many members have lost their homes while away protecting others and the union is working closely with DELWP and Parks Victoria to ensure our state firefighters and their families are being supported.  Over 1 million hectares have been burnt and there are 31 fires active around the state with over 1,000 firefighters from all agencies working on these fires.  Two emergency warnings remain current for East Gippsland.  It’s been an enormous couple of weeks for our emergency services with many working continuous back to back deployments.  Stay safe.  Photo: Tom Goldstraw, Nariel Valley