Firefighters have contained the spread of a large grass fire 8 kilometres west of the Lake Charm area.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Forty-one fire-fighting crews and five aircraft assisted in controlling the fire, however the CFA warns that conditions remain unstable.
"The CFA is advising people to stay close to shelter in case of sudden changes in conditions," a state control centre spokesperson said.
Those nearby are encouraged to stay informed.
People in the Mystic Park, Lake Charm and Kangaroo Lake areas had been told that it was too late to leave as the fast-moving fire moved towards townships.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industries issued an emergency warning at 1pm on Monday, advising people in those areas to act immediately to protect themselves, with the safest remaining option to take shelter indoors.
The fire, which started about eight kilometres west of Lake Charm, was travelling in an easterly direction from Third Marsh towards Kangaroo Lake Road on Monday afternoon.
Vanessa Burrows from Pelican Waters Tourist Park on Lake Charm had said campers had all been moved indoors during the emergency warning but had not panicked.
CFA safety information:
When indoors:
- Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and turn off cooling systems.
- Shelter in a room that has a door and or a window to the outside - It is critical to keep an eye on what is happening with the fire.
If you cannot get indoors, other last resort options include:
- A large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve.
- A large body of water like a dam, lake, river, the ocean or inground pool.
- Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
In the car:
- Park behind a solid structure to block the fire's heat or pull over to a cleared area.
- Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
- Put on your hazard lights and headlights.
- Turn the engine off, close all windows and ensure that car air vents are closed.
- Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a woollen blanket.
If you are travelling, do not enter the area, U-turn to safety.
If you are away from home, do not return.
For life or property threatening emergencies call 000
If you need medical advice for burns or smoke exposure call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024
Stay Informed:
Tune to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations or Sky News TV
Call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667
Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment can contact VBIL via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
For help with English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VBIL. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.
Download the FireReady App and follow CFA_Updates on Twitter (#VicFires) or Facebook.
Road Closures: check VicRoads Website.
