Source: VIC Emergency

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

Issued Today at 10:16 AM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Willaura, Stavely, Kia Ora and Bornes Hill.

There is a bushfire at Grampians National Park - Yarram Gap Rd that is not yet under control.
The bushfire is travelling in a northerly direction however elevated winds are pushing the smoke towards the south.
This Watch and Act replaces the Advice message issued at 1.25pm on 24 December 2024
Weather conditions have changed. The fire is now under the influence of a northerly wind which will strengthen during the day.
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.
Warmer temperatures with increasing northerly winds will see an increase in fire activity and smoke.
You will see an increase in aerial fire suppression activity throughout today
Enact your fire survival plan now. If your plan is to leave, leave early.
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.
Relief Centres Now Open:
Ararat - Alexandra Oval Community Centre 1 Waratah Ave, Ararat.
Register your attendance at Ararat via this link
Companion animals are welcome, but must remain on a lead at all times. Please ensure you bring any necessary items for your animals such as food, water bowl and bedding.

Stawell - Grampians Community Health (known as "The Shacc"), 22 Patrick Street Stawell is unstaffed until 6.00am Thursday 26 December.
Register your attendance at Stawell via this link
People requiring immediate assistance can utilise the contacts listed on the door. Pets are welcome, please ensure they are on a lead at all times.

Anyone can register with Red Cross via the Register.Find.Reunite so your family and friends can find you.

Recordings of Community Meetings are available from the VicEmergency - Grampians Facebook Page.

Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe.
Remember to:
When you leave take your medications, mobile phone charger and other necessary items you will need.
Take your pets. Ensure you have a lead, food and water for them.
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 south west of the Grampians Region
Impacts in your area:
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au/) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.
Bushfires can start spot fires and embers can travel large distances ahead of the main fire.

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 05:00 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