UPDATE 4.19pm: An emergency warning for people in the Mystic Park and Lake Charm areas has been downgraded to a Watch and Act message.
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Firefighters have stopped the spread of the grassfire 8km west of Lake Charm and at the west side of the train line, the CFA reports.
The fire is now contained, however local weather conditions are still unstable and there is still active fire within the fire perimeter.
The Murray Valley Highway is still open but there are road closures in place at the intersection of Mystic Park/Kangaroo Lake Drive and Gorton Road; and Sharp Road and Lake Charm/Quambatook Road is closed for traffic heading south.
Train services have been suspended.
The CFA advises staying close to shelter is the safest option, in case conditions change again suddenly. Continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
Safety information:
Remember to take your prescriptions and medication, photo ID, bottles of water, your mobile phone and charger and consider what you will do with your pets.
When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights; smoke will make it difficult to see.
If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Contact a family member or friend to tell them what you plan to do now.
Stay Informed:
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.
Via www.emergency.vic.gov.au
Tune to ABC Local Radio, commercial and community designated radio stations or Sky News TV.
Call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667.
EARLIER: HOLIDAY makers and residents in Victoria's north are under threat from a fast-moving fire.
People in the Mystic Park, Lake Charm and Kangaroo Lake areas have been told it's too late to leave as a fast-moving fire rages towards the area.
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.
Areas in danger are located in Victoria's far north, between Swan Hill and Kerang.
"You are in danger, act now to protect yourself," the Country Fire Authority advised residents.
"It is too late to leave. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately."
The fire, which started about eight kilometres west of Lake Charm, was travelling in an easterly direction from Third Marsh towards Kangaroo Lake Road.
Vanessa Burrows from Pelican Waters Tourist Park on Lake Charm said campers had all been moved indoors.
She said despite the emergency warning, the group at the caravan park was not panicking.
"The fire is still a good five or 10 kilometres away," she told Fairfax Media at about 1.30pm.
"Everyone is staying indoors and no one's going anywhere."
Twenty-two fire trucks are on site.
An update is expected at 2pm.
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
- The Age