Source: VIC Emergency

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Coffeys Rd, Bullengarook, near Gisborne.

The previous Advice message for this area is now being upgraded to a watch and act message as today's hot and windy weather makes fires more likely to spread
This bushfire is still contained but is not yet under control
On an Extreme Fire Danger day, fires can grow fast and be very dangerous
Smoke may be more visible to nearby communities during the warmer and windier parts of the day

People in the area should stay alert, watch the conditions outside, and keep checking emergency updates
Anyone travelling should avoid the area if possible
Defending a house requires: At least two fit and determined adults who are physically and mentally prepared to work long and hard in arduous and difficult conditions. At least 10,000 litres of water (not from mains supply which can fail during a fire). Protective clothing. Appropriate firefighting hoses and pumps

What you should do:

Leaving early is the safest option
Many people have died trying to leave at the last minute during fires
Take your phone off silent and make sure notifications are turned on
Enact your fire survival plan.
Listen to ABC Central Victoria 91.1 FM (www.abc.net.au/centralvic) or ABC Radio Melbourne 774 AM (www.abc.net.au/melbourne)
If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger
When leaving, open all internal gates to allow stock and animals to move freely around your property if threatened by fire, however leave external gates closed
Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area

People who intend to stay must:

Be physically and mentally prepared to be isolated and come under threat
Have a comprehensive plan, drinking water supply, fire fighting equipment and a survival place of last resort
Have prepared inside and outside of their house, including pets, animals, equipment and vehicles
Remember; fire trucks will be concentrating on stopping the fire spread and not necessarily on protecting individual properties

Impacts in your area:

Coffeys Road, Carrolls Lane and Waterloo Flat Road are closed
Numerous tracks within the Wombat State Forest are closed, including Finger Point Road and a number of adjoining tracks
Bushfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the fire reaches you.
Bushfires can start spot fires and embers can travel large distances ahead of the main fire.
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.

This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.

The next update is expected by 27/12/2024 10:30 am 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