Source: VIC Emergency

Issued Today at 1:31 PM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Amphitheatre, Bayindeen, Ben Nevis, Chute, Elmhurst, Eversley, Glenlofty, Glenlogie, Glenpatrick, Glenshee, Green Hill Creek, Main Lead, Mount Cole, Mount Cole Creek, Mount Lonarch, Nowhere Creek, Raglan.

It is Not Safe to Return to the locations in the warning area.

There is a bushfire between Raglan and Mount Cole that is not yet under control.
The bushfire is still active.
Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
This Watch and Act message replaces the Watch and Act message issued at 6.27am on Sunday 25 February 2024.
If you left the warning area, it is Not Safe to Return. Be aware of potential dangerous bushfire and tree hazards.
What you should do:

If you have not already left:
Stay where you are and avoid dangerous bushfire and tree hazards.
Check you have enough food, drinking water and medications - if you do not, phone Triple Zero (000) for assistance.
Stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.
If you have already left:

Do not return to your home until a Safe to Return notification is issued.
Register at a relief centre so that your friends, family and authorities can be informed that you are safe.
If you go to a family member or friend's house, you should register with the Australian Red Cross at https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/about-register find-reunite/

Relief centres are open at:

Alexandra Oval, Waratah Avenue, Ararat.
Princes Park Reserve, 40 Park Road, Maryborough.

For medical emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).

Impacts in your area:
Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
Bushfires can start spot fires and embers can travel large distances ahead of the main fire.
A fire in a shed containing tyres has been identified near Raglan-Elmhurst Road, Raglan. Reduce your exposure to smoke. Tyre fires generate hazardous smoke, which can cause a health risk. This is through the inhalation of particles and chemicals. For more information on smoke and your health visit: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/environmental-information/air-quality/smoke/smoke-your-health .
Smoke will be visible from nearby communities and roads.
The following roads are closed:
Pyrenees Highway at Crowlands- Eversley Road Beaufort-Lexton Road (C172).
Sunraysia Highway at Lexton to the Western Highway.
Lexton to Beaufort Road.
Main Lead Road, Beaufort at Jackson Street.
Eurambeen-Raglan Road, Eurambeen.
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.

As of 0700hrs today Sunday the 25 February 2024, the Beaufort Urgent Care Centre at 28 Havelock Street Beaufort has re-opened with reduced hours of operations between 0700 AM and 1000 PM. Outside these hours, community members should contact Triple Zero (000) for emergency medical care or call nurse on call 1300 60 60 24 for minor health concerns. The Beaufort nursing home remains closed, and residents remain relocated at Grampians Health Ballarat until further notice.

Bushfires and power outages can affect the water supply and pressure. Residents should not rely on town water as part of their fire plans.

The following public land areas have been affected by the Bayindeen- Mt Cole Fire.
DEECA closures:
- Mount Cole State Forest - Ben Major State Forest
- Mt Lonach State Forest - Fortes Bush State Forest
- Musical Gully State Forest - Camphill State Forest

Parks Victoria closures:
- Mount Buangor State Park (those whom have booked for campsites have been notified by Parks Victoria).
- Ben Major Nature Conservation Reserve (NCR).

Community Meeting
A community meeting was held at the Beaufort Reserve on Sunday 25 February, 2024. This meeting was livestreamed and can be viewed on the Pyrenees Shire Council Facebook page.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.
The next update is expected by 25/02/2024 06:40 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)
ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.

Click link below for access to the Community newsletter issued 25 February 2024:

Community Newsletter Saturday 25 February 2024

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