(Transcript from World News Radio)
Residents living near a fire that's been burning for almost three weeks in a coal mine in eastern Victoria are being advised to move if their health is being affected.
The Victorian government is offering some financial assistance, and the federal government has indicated it could also help.
Thisanka Siripala has the details.
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Authorities say the deliberately-lit fire in the open-cut Hazelwood coal mine in Morwell South will continue to produce significant smoke and ash for at least another 10 days.
Victoria's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rosemary Lester says relocation is a precautionary measure for at-risk residents.
She says no-one is being ordered to evacuate.
"So what I am advising today is that people who are in the particular at risk groups, so those over 65, children under school age, pregnant women and anyone with a pre-existing heart or lung condition our advice is that they temporarily relocate outside the area. Now I must stress this is precautionary advice only. The air quality has not gone up significantly. There is no significant increase in the danger today."
Victorian Premier Dennis Napthine says Department of Human Services officers are providing residents with health checks and advice on financial assistance.
"We have expanded the number of DHS officers who are in the region. There are three sites and centres where people can go for those appointments. And people and families will be given one-to-one advice and assistance. We will be providing financial assistance for those eligible families so that it can assist them in their choice with respect to relocation in terms of their own wellbeing."
Premier Napthine says weekly grants of up to about $1200 dollars will be available for eligible families to help with relocation costs.
"Where there are families that face difficulties in terms of accommodation options we will provide that accommodation. I have instructed the Department of Human Services to be compassionate and generous in these circumstances. We want to look after the wellbeing of the people of Morwell particularly those people in Morwell South."
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has indicated that the federal government is also willing to provide assistance.
"I think everyone is doing their best and as far as the federal government is concerned as far as the national government is concerned. We stand ready to receive a request from Victoria for assistance under the natural disaster arrangements and we will activate our part immediately."
Victorian Premier Dennis Napthine says the fire at Hazelwood coalmine was deliberately lit and a police investigation is continuing.
"The advice we've received from the police is that this looks like a despicable act of arson which is an absolute disgrace and it absolutely galls me and angers me to red hot anger that somebody would put the community at risk by these acts of arson. In terms of the causation, who is responsible, it is some low-life arsonist who has put people through this terrible situation."
