Bunyip fire still burning

By Tania Martin
GEMBROOK residents remain on alert as the Bunyip Ridge Fire continues to burn in the nearby state forest.
Locals were kept on high alert last week as the fire came within eight kilometres of the town.
However it has since been downgraded.
The fires are currently burning between Gembrook, Neerim Junction and Tonimbuk, covering more than 27,000 hectares of bushland.
Gembrook residents were yesterday (Monday) warned to expect smoke haze in the area due to back burning efforts.
But according to the CFA the fires are currently not posing a threat.
Meanwhile in the neighbouring towns of Emerald, Sassafras and Kalorama, more than 1,200 residents attended community fire safety meetings.
CFA education officer Geoff Deacon said although there was no current threat for these towns, it was important to remind residents summer was far from over.
Mr Deacon said it was important for all residents to remain vigilant in their bushfire preparations.
He said it was also vital for locals to watch out for any suspicious behaviour in the Dandenongs.