Source: VIC Emergency

This Watch and Act message is being issued for the Little Desert National Park and surrounding areas including Lawloit, Kinimakatka, Winiam, Gerang Gerung, Dimboola west of the Wimmera River, Duchembegarra and Nurcoung..

There is a bushfire in the Little Desert National Park that is not yet under control.
The fire is active along the northern edge of the Little Desert National park. Sections of the fire may travel in a northerly direction towards private properties.
There is also some fire activity along the southern edge that may be generating some smoke.
Smoke from this fire may be experienced in communities north of the Little Desert, including Nhill and Kiata. This may persist for a few days.
This Watch and Act replaces the Watch & Act issued at 1:13pm today.

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 or Horsham.

Impacts in your area:

Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.

Road Closures:

The Western Highway is closed between Horsham and Nhill.
For transport traffic, diversions are in place between Horsham and the South Australian border.
The Borung Highway is closed from Dimboola to Cannum.
Check the VicTraffic website (www.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.

A recovery centre will be open from 9:00am Wednesday 29 January at the Dimboola Library, 101 Lloyd Street, Dimboola.

A Community Meeting will be held 5:00pm Wednesday 29 January at the Dimboola Library, 101 Lloyd Street, Dimboola.

The Little Desert National Park is closed for visitors.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 30/01/2025 09:40 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 for assistance and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.

CFA Current Bushfires