Smokey Vic town safe, but no comparison

Victoria is asking holiday home owners to open their homes to Morwell residents affected by smoke. Source: AAP

THE coalmine fire that's been blanketing Morwell in thick smoke for three weeks has no comparison, Victoria's top health officer says.

As firefighters prepare for forecast windy weather to blow even more smoke into the Latrobe Valley town, health authorities are poring over records of similar fires and finding little information.

Chief Health Officer Rosemary Lester says she's seeking advice on whether the fire has become a long-term exposure event for residents because it's been burning for three weeks.

But that's proving difficult, she said, because long-term smoke inhalation studies involve big city air pollution, not coalmines.

"It's an unusual situation," she said on Thursday.

"We do remain concerned about the level of smoke in the air. The levels have been very high and continue to be very high.

"We don't know how much longer it will go on for."

Dr Lester said carbon monoxide levels are nowhere near the level required to evacuate the town but she couldn't rule out calling for one in the future if the fire keeps burning.

The Hazelwood fire started on February 9 and is expected to burn for at least another two weeks.

Authorities stress it remains safe to stay in the area, but residents should limit their exposure.

A community respite centre has been set up in Moe and the health assessment centre has been expanded.

Latrobe Regional Hospital Acting chief executive Amanda Cameron said while hundreds had visited the assessment centre, the impact of smoke on people's health appeared to be minimal.

"We've had no admissions into the hospital that are directly related to the fire," she said.

The Victorian Greens want an evacuation for the most vulnerable people.

But Premier Denis Napthine said that's not necessary, though he'll open his house in Port Fairy to those wanting to flee the smoke and others should do the same with holiday homes.

He said it was frustrating to know the coalmine fire was deliberately lit.

Incident controller John Haynes said the wind would determine how quickly the fire could be extinguished.

Fire crews expect big gusts to arrive on Friday and return next week.

"We're trying our hardest," he said.

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