BREAKING Tens of thousands of holiday-makers in East Gippsland have been urged to leave ahead of Monday's high fire danger day, Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp says
There are an estimated 30,000 people holidaying in Lakes Entrance at the moment, according to Mr Crisp.
Mr Crisp said authorities "strongly believe" the three fires currently going in the area will affect the Princes Highway. With road closures already in place, the closure of the highway could leave people stuck in East Gippsland. "If you're holidaying in that part of the state, it's time you left now," Mr Crisp said."We're coming out with this advice now, we want to give people time to leave East Gippsland now." He said if residents can stay with friends and family west of Bairnsdale, they should also leave.
The advice follows a similar decision on Sunday morning by organisers of the Falls Music Festival at Lorne, who told the 9000 people camping at the event this weekend that. After just one night, organisers cancelled the event due to the extreme fire risk ahead. Secret Sounds Co CEO Jessica Ducrou said she was "gutted" to make the call on Sunday morning, but had to prioritise the safety of patrons, artists and staff.
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