Benloch fire

8pm: The bushfire south of Kitchenhams Road has burnt approximately 38 hectares with fire activity still occurring within containment lines.

Wednesday 9.20am: The Benloch bushfire south of Kitchenhams Road is currently burning within containment lines and continues at advice level.

• A south-westerly wind change may impact the fire at approximately 3pm.
• Fire weather will increase throughout the day.
• The fire is estimated to now be approximately 40 hectares in size.
• Firefighters worked overnight to bring the fire under control and will continue to be on scene today.

8.46pm: Benloch fire downgraded to Advice. There is currently no threat but you should stay informed and monitor local conditions.

Traffic management points in place at Feeneys Lane and Kitchenhams Road, Frosts Road and Burke & Wills Track, Burke & Wills Track and Feeneys Lane have now been removed.  All roads are now open.

Firefighters are patrolling this fire and will remain on scene overnight.

Smoke will be visible from nearby communities and roads.

The next update is expected by 8.50am (16 January) or if the situation changes.

Kinglake Ranges News will continue to monitor the situation overnight.

8.05pm: A 25-hectare fire at Kitchenhams Road, Benloch is currently under control. The fire has not crossed any roads – being used as firebreaks –  at present. Over 200 CFA and DEWLP firefighters, with assistance from water-bombing aircraft, continue to work on containing the fire.

6.51pm: An Erickson air crane helicopter ‘Helitack 230’ has joined the firefight whilst ‘Helitack 330’ was dispatched to a small grass fire at Arcadia, south of Shepparton.

6.14pm: Firefighters are concerned tonight’s predicted south-westerly wind change may reinvigorate the fire.

5.48pm: The Benloch fire is still a Watch and Act. The CFA is expected to update the situation by 8pm.

5.15pm: The Benloch fire is heading a south-westerly direction. Leaving now is the safest option. Smoke and poor visibility will make roads and driving dangerous. Emergency services may not be able to help if you chose to stay.

“It’s currently a long, skinny fire with over 200 firefighters on the ground and aircraft,”

“There is a strong possibility the fire may jump out again,” the State Control Centre told Kinglake Ranges News.

Those who have left should not attempt to return.

4:47pm: The Benloch fire is now under control however an evening wind change from the south could impact firefighting efforts. The CFA warns that – especially during a wind change – that embers may ignite other fires ahead of the main fire.

4:30pm: Benloch fire declared under control. 37 fire trucks and two Erickson Air Cranes continue working on the fire and blacking out. A Watch and Act remains.

3.49pm: The Benloch fire has been downgraded to a Watch and Act, however, the fire is not yet under control. 37 fire trucks and aircraft are currently working to contain the fire.

3.30pm: It is too late to leave. Seek shelter immediately.

2.47pm: Strike Team 1219 departing Benloch CFA.

2.25pm: Country Fire Authority (CFA) issue an EMERGENCY WARNING for Kitchenhams Rd, Benloch, north of Lancefield.

Kinglake Ranges News will keep you updated.

This EMERGENCY WARNING is being issued for Kitchenhams Rd, Benloch.

• There is a bushfire at Kitchenhams Rd, Benloch that is not yet under control.
• The bushfire is travelling in an easterly direction.
• The fire started on Kitchenhams Road in Benloch.
• This fire is threatening homes and lives.

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.

The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.

What you should do:

You should move indoors: 

• Bring your pets inside.
• Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from cotton or wool. Wear leather boots.
• Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and turn off cooling systems.
• You must take shelter before the fire arrives. The extreme heat is likely to kill you well before the flames reach you.
• Shelter in a room that has two exits including one directly to the outside. It is important to be able to see outside so you know what is happening with the fire.
• If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.

If you cannot get indoors, last resort options include:

• Shelter in the middle of a large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve.
• Get into a  large body of water like a dam, lake, river, the ocean or inground pool.
• Try to protect yourself from the fire’s heat.

If you are travelling: 

• If you are travelling, do not enter the warning area. U-turn to safety.
• If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.

If you are caught in fire in your car: 

• Park behind a solid structure to block the fire’s heat or pull over to cleared area.
• Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
• Turn on your hazard lights and headlights.
• Close all windows.
• Turn off the air-conditioning and shut all the air vents.
• Turn your car engine off.
• Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a woollen blanket.

Impacts in your area: 

Bushfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the fire reaches you.

Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.

This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.

The next update is expected by 15/01/2019 03:30 pm or as the situation changes.

If you can smell smoke, please note:

• Smoke can affect people’s health.
• People with pre-existing health problems, heart or lung conditions (including asthma), children, pregnant women and older people are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
• People with existing heart or lung conditions (including asthma) should follow the treatment plan advised by the doctor.

Health information:

• If you need medical advice for burns or exposure to smoke, seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
• Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000).

If you cannot smell smoke you are not likely to be exposed to smoke and it will therefore not affect you.

Use multiple sources to stay informed: 

• www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
• VicEmergency Hotline – freecall 1800 226 226.
• VicEmergency app.
• Facebook or Twitter (#vicfires).
• Tune in to 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.

• To access this 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.