Source: VIC Emergency

Issued Today at 1:08 PM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Bornes Hill, Grampians, Jimmy Creek, Mirranatwa, Victoria Valley, Willaura.

It is strongly recommended you Prepare to Leave.
There is a bushfire at Grampians National Park - Yarram Gap Road. The bushfire is not yet under control.
The bushfire continues to burn in a northly direction toward Jimmy Creek and and easterly and southerly direction towards Bornes Hill and Yarram Gap Road in the Grampians National Park.
A wind change is expected later this afternoon and into the evening. This will cause an increase in fire activity.
The fire is still burning on private property east of the Mirranatwa Road.
Planed burning operations conducted today may create increased smoke.
Smoke will be visible to surrounding communities.
Crews and aircraft continue to work in the area.

Community Information drop in sessions:
Willaura - Thursday 19 December, 2.30pm to 4pm
Willaura Supermarket, 36 Main Street Willaura

Moyston - Thursday 19 December, 4.30pm to 6pm
General Store, 1369 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Moyston

Community Meeting
Dunkeld - Friday 20 December, 10am at "Sterling Place" at 14 Sterling Place, Dunkeld

Relief centre is now open at "Sterling Place" at 14 Sterling Place, Dunkeld. The Relief Centre is currently not staffed but, still open. If in attendance and require assistance from the Southern Grampians Shire please phone the number provided on site. Victoria Police can also be contacted via the Hamilton Police 24 hour number posted onsite.
Prepare to Leave immediately. Leave as soon as you are ready, as roads will become busy as people leave.
What you should do:
Monitor the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can mean the situation is worsening.
Protect yourself and your family.
If you are not prepared, leave now. Don't wait until it is too late - leave early.
If you are away from home, do not return.
If you are leaving, pack:
Cash
Clothing for three days
Medicine for three days
Phone and chargers
Toiletries
Important documents
Meaningful items and photos
Pet essentials, including leash and carriers.
Check on your neighbours if it is safe.

Check the VicTraffic website for road closures.

Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe.

Where to go:
Friends or family away from the fire.
Consider roads may become busy closer to the time of impact.
Impacts in your area:
Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
Trees can be extremely dangerous during a bushfire or high winds.
Do not stand, park or travel in areas of fire affected trees.

Road Closures:
Grampians Road, is closed from Silverband Road to the southern Victoria Valley Road intersection.
Victoria Valley Road is closed at the Victoria Point Intersection.
Yarram Gap Road is closed from Grampians Road to Moyston-Dunkeld Road.
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.

Grampians National Park visitor information and closures:
The southern part of the Grampians National Park, including the Grampians Peaks trail is closed from Jimmy Creek to Dunkeld. The areas north of Jimmy Creek remain open.
Wannon Crossing campground is closed.
All walking tracks and campgrounds in the southern area are closed
Check the Website for details: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 19/12/2024 06:10 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