Source: VIC Emergency

Issued Today at 1:17 PM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for the area on the eastern side of the Grampians National Park from Moyston to Bornes Hill, including Mafeking, Watgania and Maroona

This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act issued at 7.323pm, Friday 27 December 2024.

Halls Gap and the Grampians National Park remains closed to visitors. For further details visit the Parks Victoria website. No access is permitted to the National Park.

Residents only are allowed to return to their properties via Traffic Management Points, proof of address will be required.

Residents accessing the fire affected area must remain vigilant, as tree hazards may be present. Many roads within the fire affected areas have not been assessed and remain closed due to tree risk. Crews will be undertaking assessment and treatment over the coming days.
Firefighting vehicles and heavy equipment and aircraft 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.
The fire situation can change at any time, you must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
Community Meetings
A meeting will be held in Moyston on Saturday 28th December at the Moyston Recreation Reserve, 2 Moyston-Great Western Road starting at 7.00pm

Further Community Meetings are planned for Sunday in Pomonal and Halls Gap, monitor VicEmergency- Grampians for specific details.

A Community newsletter is now available via this link.

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.
Impacted Wildlife - Call 1300 356 882 or download the Wildlife Emergency App.
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.

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.
Fire fighting vehicles and heavy equipment are still working in the area, be mindful of the increased traffic.
Smoke from bushfires can reduce air quality and may affect your health. For more information visit the Better Health website.
Trees can be extremely dangerous during a bushfire or high winds. Do not stand, park or travel in areas of fire affected trees.
Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 29/12/2024 02:20 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