15/09/08 – UPDATE – HAZELWOOD MINE FIRE

Joint Information Release

From Country Fire Authority and International Power Hazelwood

CFA and International Power crews are continuing to work together to contain a fire burning in a non-operational section of the Hazelwood mine near Morwell.

Crew’s efforts are currently concentrated on containing the fire and numerous hot spots. Crews will also continue with asset protection and monitoring the fire behaviour before the onset of forecast strong wind conditions later today.

Graeme York, CEO from International Power said, “The crews are making steady progress and the cooperation between CFA and International Power has been very good.”

“No critical infrastructure is under threat and there is no impact on coal supply to or power generation from Hazelwood Power Station,” Mr York said.

There are currently 100 CFA personal working along side International Power employees to contain the fire.

Fire-fighters are concentrating on a 500 metre area of a disused mine outlet and non-operational coal faces and they will continue this effort over the next 48 hours.

For further CFA Information contact ICC on 5135 5808
For further IPRH information contact Neil Lawson on 5135 5093

Information Release 15/09/2008 0600 hrs

Message Authorised By: Daryl Hunter, Incident Controller