Operators of Victoria's Hazelwood mine are facing 10 charges over the 2014 blaze that burned in the open-cut mine for 45 days, shrouding Morwell in smoke and ash.
WorkSafe Victoria has charged the Hazelwood Power Corporation Pty Ltd, owned by GDF Suez, with five counts of failing to maintain and safe workplace and five counts of failing to ensure people other than its employees were not exposed to risks to their health and safety.
The fire ignited on February 9, when two bushfires in nearby farming country spread to brown coal in the mine.
Some residents fled the town after the government advised vulnerable community members to evacuate.
WorkSafe said it couldn't comment as the matter was expected to come before the Melbourne Magistrates Court this week.
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The Victorian government, which last year reopened the inquiry into the blaze, said the charges were a step in the right direction to help the community recover from the disaster.
It would not comment further as the matter is now before the courts.
