WICEN activated for bushfires

The Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network (WICEN) in Victoria, Australia, is providing communications links in a number of affected bushfire areas.

These include shire offices at Kinglake and Alexandra north-east of Melbourne.

WICEN operators were escorted by police and Country Fire Authority through still-hazardous areas to each of their postings.

Roads continue to remain closed and fires are still burning. The CFA is maintaining safety for all involved in the disaster response and recovery effort.

On occasion they have had to pull out those engaged in vital work because an area has simply become too dangerous.

At least two amateur radio voice repeaters have been under threat by fires but replacement equipment and installers are on standby if needed. A WICEN portable repeater is also in the field and operating.

Meantime the communications arm of the Red Cross, Recom which is run by radio amateurs, continues to provide communications at various emergency relief centres.

This as the death toll in the worst Australian natural disaster since European federation, is expected to reach 200

Amateur Radio Victoria website www.amateurradio.com.au

Victorian bushfire update