Powercor spokesperson Emma Tyner told the Yarrawonga Chronicle that damaged transformer, which has been repaired, was responsible for a number of outages in the Yarrawonga area and reassured customers there had been no planned outages.
“On Sunday night, a fault occurred at about 7.45pm that impacted 2979 customers,” Ms Tyner said.
“Crews patrolled lines and restored power but were unable to identify the fault.
“We understand that people are frustrated and now have a special team focused on this area.”
Last week strong winds impacted parts of the network, which led to localised outages in Yarrawonga, Bundalong, Tungamah and Wilby.
Powercor spokesman, Alistair Perkins said 6,156 customers were impacted.
“Due to the catastrophic fire danger conditions, we operated safety settings on our network in a very sensitive mode to reduce the risk of fires,” Mr Perkins said.
“These devices are designed to keep communities safe but do increase the likelihood of power outages occurring during these extreme conditions.
“In many cases, crews will need to patrol the lines to make sure they are safe before power can be safely restored, and this may mean restoration times are longer than usual.”
Mr Perkins said bushfires could damage electricity infrastructure and affect supply to properties, impacting equipment such as electric water pumps.
If our assets are damaged by a bushfire, it might take several days before crews can safely access sites and complete repairs to electrical infrastructure.
Cobram fireys issue mayday
The Yarrawonga Mulwala area has been spared from the worst of Victoria’s bushfires, but it was a very different story for crews from Cobram CFA and Tocumwal Rural Fire Service who faced a life-threatening emergency last Friday.
Cobram CFA captain, Matt Dehne described one of the worst days the area has seen and the burnover involving two tankers.
He said a burnover was one of the most dangerous situation firefighters could face on the fireground.
“Both tankers were forced to issue mayday calls as fire impacted their vehicles,” he said.
“(They) were forced to issue mayday calls … thanks to the outstanding training received by all CFA and RFS members, both crews correctly implemented burnover procedures, actions that ultimately saved lives.”
The crews were incredibly lucky to have air support on scene, which was able to drop water over the tankers.
“As a result, all crew members walked away with nothing more than some shock, and one hell of a story to tell,” Captain Dehne said.
“As Captain, I am immensely proud of the Cobram crew and how they handled such an extremely dangerous situation.
“Ex-Captain Adrian Hilder was the crew leader at the time, and it was his quick thinking, training, and decisive actions that helped save the lives of both the Cobram and Tocumwal tanker crews.
“The messages of support we have received from the community mean more to us than words can express. Thank you all for standing with us.”
10 homes lost
Moira Shire has entered the assessment and recovery phase following the grassfire that impacted Cobram East, Katamatite, Katamatite East, Katunga, Muckatah, Naring, Yarroweyah and Yarroweyah South.
Moira Shire Council chair administrator Dr Graeme Emonson has urged anyone affected by the fires to reach out for help.
“We understand that we have at least 10 families who have lost their homes in the fire,” Dr Emonson said.
“This is a tragic situation; our thoughts are with them and all others who have suffered property loss and damage from the fire.
“We’re also very moved and grateful with how many community members have put their hands up to help, offering donations of food, money and household items.”
What is a burnover?
In a burnover, flames rapidly engulf fire trucks with escape routes cut off.
The fire front overtakes their position, often happening with little warning.
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