Source: VIC Emergency

Issued Today at 10:07 AM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Nariel Valley including McNamara Crossing, Staceys Bridge and surrounds.

- There is a bushfire which started 25Km West Of Walwa that is not yet under control.
- The fire started in the Mt Lawson State Park on the 5th January and has spread through to the Wabba Wilderness Park.
- Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the weather is expected to worsen over the coming days with an increase in temperature and fire intensity predicted. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
- People in the area should leave the area in a northerly direction along the Benambra-Corryong Road towards Corryong.
- The Benambra-Corryong Road is the only road in and out of the area and leaving now is the safest option.
- This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act issued 26th January at 8:42pm.

Don't wait, leaving now is the safest option - conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.

What you should do:

- Enact your fire survival plan.
- Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
- Protect yourself and your family.
- If you are away from home, do not return.
- A Relief Centre is located at the Wodonga Exhibition Centre-Wodonga Racecourse, Hamilton Smith Drive, Wodonga. The centre will be open between 8am and 5pm.

If the situation changes or you feel unsafe you should leave:

- 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.

Impacts in your area:

The following road closures are in place:

- The Murray Valley Highway is closed at Cudgewa Valley Road.
- Benambra-Corryong Road. Access is permitted for emergency service, essential services and residents only.
- The forecast weather is expected to be hot with a chance of thunderstorms.
- Emergency services, machinery and aircraft will remain in the area.
- Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.
- Monitor air quality and take precautions to protect your health by visiting https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/
- For localised mental health support please contact Albury Wodonga Health Mental Health Triage Line on 1300 104 211.
- Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.

Public Land and Recreation Closures:

Public land including National Parks and State Forest areas are closed due to ongoing fire activity. While conditions are unsafe for activities such as camping and hiking in forested areas, there are still many towns to visit and experiences to enjoy safely across the region.
For information about private caravan parks or other private sites, including their opening hours, please contact the business owner directly.
For a detailed list of National Parks and public land closures visit:
- Forest Fire Management: ffm.vic.gov.au
- Parks Victoria: www.parks.vic.gov.au

This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

CFA Current Bushfires