Source: VIC Emergency

Watch and Act - Bushfire - Monitor Conditions As They Are Changing

Issued Today at 11:28 AM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Bellellen, Black Range, Great Western, Jallukar, Lake Fyans, Londonderry, Moyston, Rhymney, Willaura North.

This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act issued at 6.00pm Monday 23 December 2024.
There is a bushfire at Grampians National Park - Yarram Gap Road that is not yet under control.
This fire is currently travelling in a northerly direction
Moderate weather conditions last night and this morning has slowed the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time.
The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
What you should do:
Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
Weather forecasts indicate warmer temperatures with increasing northerly winds Christmas Day and Boxing Day with a strong, westerly change on Thursday.
Considering the potential increase in fire activity on Boxing Day, please restrict any travel on the roads
Enact your fire survival plan.
If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.
If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Protect yourself and your family.
Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe.
Remember to:
Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
Many people have died trying to leave at the last minute during fires.
Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area or Stawell or Ararat.

Relief Centres Now Open:
Alexandra Oval Community Centre 1 Waratah Ave, Ararat. Companion animals are welcome, but must remain on a lead at all times. Please ensure you bring any necessary items for them such as food and water bowl.
Grampians Community Health, known as "The Shacc", 22 Patrick Street Stawell until 2.30pm today, Tuesday 24 December 2024. This relief centre will be unstaffed until 6.00am Thursday 26 December. People requiring immediate assistance can utilise the contacts listed on the door.
Recordings of Community Meetings are available from the VicEmergency - Grampians Facebook Page.

Register at a relief centre so your friends, family and authorities can be informed that you are safe.
The Australian Red Cross's Register Find Reunite service has been activated.
Stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings
You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
Impacts in your area:
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
Grampians National Park visitor information:
The Grampians National Park is CLOSED.

This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 25/12/2024 12:00 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.
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
For 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