The Strathbogie fire Watch and Act has been updated at 5:28 pm . Kinglake Ranges News will continue monitoring the situation with live updates.
This Watch & Act message is for Ancona, Merton, Strathbogie.
- This Watch and Act replaces the Watch & Act issued at 4:45pm.
- There is a grassfire at Strathbogie that is not yet under control.
- This grassfire is travelling in a south-easterly direction away from Kippings Road, south of Coach Road over Shorts Road towards Dukes Road.
Staying close to a building you can shelter in is the safest option as conditions can change suddenly.
Continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
What you should do:
- Monitor changes, including increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility that indicated the situation is changing.
- If you are away from home, do not return.
- If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights; smoke will make it difficult to see.
- If you’re in a car and become caught in a grassfire, don’t get out and run.
- If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
If the situation changes you will need to leave quickly. Plan to:
- Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
- Emergency Services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
Impacts in your area:
Grassfires can start and spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
Grassfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the flames reach you.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.
The next update is expected by 04/01/2019 08:30 pm or as the situation changes.
If you can smell smoke, please note:
- Smoke can affect people’s health.
- People with 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.