Source: VIC Emergency

This Watch and Act message is being issued for eastern Side of the Grampians National Park from Lake Fyans to Dunkeld, including Moyston and Willaura.

This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act issued at 1.29pm Friday 27 December 2024.

Traffic management points are in place allowing residents only to access properties and to check on livestock.
Residents will need to provide proof of address to access past the traffic management points.
Trees can be extremely dangerous after a fire and during high winds. Avoid standing, parking and travelling of fire affected trees.
Trees can unexpectedly fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.
Hazardous trees and other hazards are being assessed by firefighters.
Firefighting vehicles and heavy equipment are still working in the area, be mindful of the increased traffic.
The bushfire at Grampians National Park is not yet under control.
The spread of the bushfire has slowed for now, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
Winds are expected to be west-south-westerly over the coming days.

The threat is reduced, but 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.
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.
Relief Centres open:
Ararat - Alexandra Oval Community Centre, 1 Waratah Ave, Ararat.
Register your attendance at Ararat Relief centre 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.
Register your attendance at Stawell Relief Centre via this link.
Pets are welcome, please ensure they are on a lead at all times.

Recovery and Resilience
If you have been / may be impacted by the current bushfires in Victoria, it is understandable if you are feeling concerned and experiencing a mix of strong mental, emotional or physical reactions right now.

Over the holiday season, try to focus on what is within your control, such as staying up to date with the latest warnings and alerts at www.emergency.vic.gov.au (or the VicEmergency App on your mobile phone),and reviewing your personal emergency plan.

For emergency relief information during major incidents, call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226 or visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief
Impacts in your area:
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
The Glenelg Highway is now open between Wickliffe and Dunkeld.
The Optus and Telstra tower phone connectivity has been restored at Willaura.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 28/12/2024 04:00 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