Source: VIC Emergency

Issued Today at 5:36 PM.

This Emergency Warning is being issued for Clarkes Hill, Dean, Wattle Flat.

There is a bushfire at Melbourne Rd, Creswick that is not yet under control.

The bushfire is travelling from Creswick Melbourne Road in a south-easterly direction towards Howards Road Wattle Flat.

The fire is impacting this area.

Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.

Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
What you should do:

Travel to:
The home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
When you leave remember to take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.

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.

If you are unable to leave you should 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 kill 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.

If you cannot get indoors, other last resort options include:
Shelter in the middle of a large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve.
Get into a large body of water like a dam, lake, river, the ocean or inground pool.
Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.

If you are caught in fire in your car:
Park behind a solid structure to block the fire's heat or pull over to cleared area.
Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
Turn on your hazard lights and headlights.
Close all windows.
Turn off the air-conditioning and shut all the air vents.
Turn your car engine off.
Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a pure woollen blanket.
Impacts in your area:
Road Closures
Melbourne Road between Creswick Dean Road and Wattle Flat Road
Bungaree Creswick Road is closed between Wattle Flat Road and Ballarat-Daylesford Road
Ballarat-Daylesford Road is closed between Madderns Road and Bungaree Creswick Rd
Madderns Road is closed Ballarat-Daylesford Road and Clarkes Road
Clarkes Road is closed between Madderns Road and Longs Hill Road
Trees can be extremely hazardous during a bushfire or high winds. Avoid standing, parking or travelling in areas of fire affected trees.

Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.

You may be able to use a mobile phone to call Triple Zero (000) and to access information on the internet. You can listen to warning information on a battery-operated radio.

Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
This messages was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 16/12/2024 08:40 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 on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.

CFA Current Bushfires