Source: VIC Emergency

Emergency Warning - Grass Fire - Leave Immediately

Issued Today at 12:31 PM.

This Emergency Warning is being issued for Arapiles, Grass Flat, Natimuk.
There is a grassfire travelling from Grass Flat in a south-easterly direction towards Natimuk that is not yet under control.
People at Grass Flat, Natimuk and Mt Arapapiles should leave immediately.
A wind change is expected within the next hour to make the fire move towards a more easterly direction towards Natimuk.
It is important that you leave now and go to Horsham. A relief centre is being opened at Horsham Senior Citizens Centre, 17 Roberts Avenue Horsham. Pets must be contained or on lead.
We are aware that power lines are down in the area, therefore take caution on the road.
Natimuk and surrounding areas could be impacted anytime up to 2.30pm. Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
What you should do
When you leave take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
Travel to:
Relief centre is open and located at Horsham Senior Citizens Centre, 17 Roberts Avenue Horsham.
The home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
In the car:
If you are travelling, do not enter the area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety.
Slow down and turn on your headlights; smoke will make it difficult to see.
Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.

If you are unable to leave, seek shelter indoors:
Close all exterior doors, windows and vents.
Turn off cooling systems.
You must take shelter before the fire arrives. The extreme heat is likely to harm you well before the flames reach you.
Shelter in a room that has two exits, such as a door or window, including one directly to the outside. It is important to be able to see outside so you know what is happening with the fire.
If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.
Impacts in your area:
The following roads are closed
Wimmera Highway between Nhill-Harrow Road and the Horsham Noradjuha Road
Natimuk Frances Road is closed at Gymbowen, with traffic diverted to Nhill.
Check the VicTraffic website (www.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
This messages was issued by Country Fire Authority.

The next update is expected by 09/01/2026 03:40 pm or as the situation changes.

Use multiple sources to stay informed:
www.emergency.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226
VicEmergency app
Facebook or Twitter (#vicfires)
Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
To access this information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service for assistance and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.

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