Vic govt faces action over alpine fires

The Victorian government is facing legal action from landowners, farmers and small businesses over devastating alpine fires six years ago.

A writ lodged on Christmas Eve accuses the government, Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria of negligence in failing to properly maintain Crown lands and of allowing fires to escape onto private property, says Fairfax.

The fires began on the night of January 7, 2003, when lightning strikes sparked 80 fires across national park and state forests in north-east Victoria.

Slidders Lawyers partner Daniel Oldham, which lodged the writ, says the case is in its infancy.

But he acknowledged a successful claim against the government over the fires could lead to further action.

Operators of the Mount Buffalo Chalet, which was damaged in the fires, was mong those preparing to make a claim against the government, Fairfax said.