Source: VIC Emergency

Issued Today at 7:48 AM.

This Emergency Warning is being issued for Mitta Valley including Tallandoon, Eskdale, Mitta Mitta, Dartmouth and surrounds.

- There is a bushfire in the Tallangatta Valley.
- The bushfire is out of control.
- There has been a change in wind direction overnight which means the fire is now slowly moving in the North Easterly direction.
- Leave to Wodonga using the Omeo Highway to Lockharts Gap Road.
- There is a relief centre at Wodonga Racecourse which allows pets.
- This Emergency Warning replaces the Emergency Warning issued at 3:47pm.

Fire conditions are changing and becoming more dynamic. 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:

- Trees can be extremely dangerous during a bushfire or high winds. Do not stand, park or travel in areas of fire affected trees.
- Check the VicTraffic website (www.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.

This messages was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

CFA Current Bushfires