UPDATE 2.53pm: Warrnambool’s Incident Control Centre has advised the Gerrigerrup break-away fire is now under control.
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A spokeswoman said the watch and act alert had now been downgraded to advice.
EARLIER: A watch and act message has been issued for Bessiebelle, Broadwater, Gerrigerrup, Hawkesdale, Macarthur, Ripponhurst, Warrabkook and Willatook.
There is a grassfire at Learmonth Road, Gerrigerrup that is not yet under control.
A CFA spokesman said multiple trucks and aircraft were attending to a break-away from the Gazette fire on the western end.
CFA were alerted to the fire at 12.48pm.
16 CFA units are attending the fire.
CFA advises residents not to wait – leaving now is the safest option .
It says 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:
- The best protection from radiant heat is distance.
- Travel to:
- The home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
- When you leave remember to take your pets, mobile phone and medications.
- If you encounter smoke or flames whilst travelling, turn around and drive to safety. If you're unable to turn around and drive to safety, a car offers more protection from the fire’s heat than being caught on foot in the open.
- Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
- If you are away from home do not return.
- If you stay, seek shelter indoors:
- Bring your pets 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 so you can keep an eye on what is happening with the fire.
The next update is expected by 2:50 pm or as the situation changes.
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 000.
- Smoke information:
- 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.
Stay informed:
- Via www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
- Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
- Call the VicEmergency Hotline to talk to someone about this warning on freecall 1800 226 226.
- People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline 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 VicEmergency Hotline. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.
- Download the VicEmergency app or follow VicEmergency on Twitter (#vicfires) or Facebook.
Rachael Houlihan
Deputy editor at The Standard. Former Warrnambool City Council and general news reporter. Send me news tips: rhoulihan@warrnamboolstandard.com.au
Deputy editor at The Standard. Former Warrnambool City Council and general news reporter. Send me news tips: rhoulihan@warrnamboolstandard.com.au
