AUSTRALIA (From news reports) -- The billion-dollar Visy Pulp and Paper mill near Tumut has set up constant fire patrols around its mill and is ready to implement an action plan to shut down its operation if the Dunns Road fire should threaten.
Pulp mill manager Uday Bhagwat said the facility had two teams on patrols around the mill, which sits on a sizeable parcel of rural land, while others are spotting for any potential outbreaks around the facility.
Visy also has its own fire truck, operated by a trained emergency response team. The mill has taken other precautions around site such as wetting down its waste paper area.
Mr Bhagwat said a safety manager was on site, as well as himself - with management oversight to continue into the night shift - and the mill had an action plan in place should the fire come under threat from the blaze.
The fireground is currently about 15km to the west. Predicted strong westerly winds later in the day could push the fire closer to the mill, including the possibility of embers.
"We are well prepared," Mr Bhagwat said. "We are continuously watching the situation and we have an action plan ready to be implemented.
"We are prepared to straight away shut down if necessary."
