UPDATE, Thursday 4pm:
The Country Fire Authority has reiterated advice for people near the Benloch bushfire to monitor changes to the situation overnight.
The fire is south of Kitchenhams Road and has burnt about 38 hectares. It is contained, but the CFA said there was still some fire activity within the containment lines.
“Variable wind conditions may increase this activity and smoke may be visible from nearby roads,” the advice message said.
“There is currently no threat to you, but you should plan for what you will do if the situation changes.”
The CFA said increased wind speed, a change in wind direction, increased smoke or poor visibility could indicate the situation was changing.
Residents of Benloch, Pastoria East, Nulla Vale, and Baynton have been urged to review their fire survival plan.
“If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes,” the advice message said.
Residents have been advised there might be increased traffic and areas of raised dust.
“Drive carefully and keep the roads clear where possible,” message said.
“If you need to seek emergency relief contact Macedon Ranges Shire Council on 5422 0333. They may be able to assist with basic needs including accommodation or clothing, financial aid and help with pets and livestock.”
UPDATE, Wednesday 5.25pm:
The Country Fire Authority has advised people near the Benloch bushfire to monitor changes to the situation overnight.
“Increased wind speed, a change in wind direction, increased smoke or poor visibility can indicate that the situation is changing,” the message for Benloch, Pastoria East, Nulla Vale and Baynton said.
“There is currently no threat to you, but you should plan for what you will do if the situation changes.”
The fire, at Kitchenhams Road, has burnt about 38 hectares.
The CFA said there was still some fire activity within the containment lines, which could increase overnight with variable with conditions.
“Firefighters worked throughout Wednesday to strengthen and consolidate containment lines,” the message said.
“Smoke might be visible from nearby roads.”
The CFA suggested residents in the warning area charge their mobile phones in case the situation changed.
“Pack a car phone charger or spare battery...check the batteries in your radio,” the message said.
“Review your fire survival plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.”
Firefighters will be on scene overnight and into Thursday morning, and bulldozers and aircraft might be operating in the area.
“If you need to seek emergency relief contact Macedon Ranges Shire Council on 5422 0333. They may be able to assist with basic needs including accommodation or clothing, financial aid and help with pets and livestock,” the message said.
UPDATE, 8.46pm:
The CFA has downgraded the threat to residents in areas surrounding the Benloch fire.
An advice message has been issued for Benloch, Pastoria East, Nulla Vale and Baynton.
“There is currently no threat to you, but you should stay informed and monitor conditions,” the message says.
Firefighters remain at the scene and will work throughout the night to make the fire safe.
The fire is about 25 hectares in size and has not crossed any roads.
Traffic management points at Feeneys Lane and Kitchenhams Road, Frosts Road and Burke & Wills Track, and Burke & Wills Track and Feeneys Lane have been removed.
All roads are now open.
Smoke will be visible from nearby communities and roads.
UPDATE, 7pm:
The CFA has issued a Watch and Act message for Benloch, Pastoria East, Nulla Vale and Baynton for a bushfire at Kitchenhams Road, Benloch.
The fire is under control and has burnt about 25 hectares. It has not crossed any roads at this stage.
People who live in the warning area and are away from home are advised not to return. Those who are at home have been urged not to wait.
‘Leaving now is the safest option,’ the message says.
‘Conditions may change and get worse very quickly.’
The CFA has advised people to monitor for signs that indicate the situation is changing, including increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility.
“If the situation changes or you feel unsafe you should leave,” the message says.
“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 might not be able to help you if you decide to stay.”
Traffic management points are in place at Feeneys Lane and Kitchenhams Road; Frosts Road and Burke & Wills Track; and Burke & Wills Track and Feeneys Lane.
UPDATE, 3.50pm:
The bushfire in Kitchenhams Road Benloch has been declared under control.
2.14pm: The bushfire in Kitchenhams Road, Benloch, is threatening homes and lives as it moves in a westerly direction.
Vic Emergency is advising residents in the area to take shelter indoors immediately as the fire is not yet under control.
The next update is expected at 3.10pm, the current warning reads:
“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.
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.”
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.
UPDATE, 2.08pm: A CFA spokesman confirmed three firefighting aircraft are on route to the fire in Benloch.
Four CFA crews are currently on site and working to control the blaze which covers 300 square metres.
A further 12 CFA crews are route to the fire.
The CFA spokesman could not confirmed what started the fire.
EARLIER: An advice message has been issued for Kitchenhams Road as the Country Fire Authority fight a scrub fire that has broken out in Benloch.
The fire covers an area of 300 square metres. Fourteen appliances are attending the fire.
The CFA has advised that there is currently no threat to people in the area, but that they should stay informed and monitor conditions.
Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.
Crews were called to the scene just after 1pm.
CFA are working alongside police and Forest Fire Management Victoria at the scene.
People in the area should monitor changes including increased wind speed, change in wind direction and smoke or poor visibility that indicate the situation is changing.
Smoke can affect people’s health, particularly those with heart or lung conditions, children, pregnant women and elderly people. People with existing medical conditions should follow the treatment plan advised by their doctor.
Health information:
- For 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).
Stay informed at:
- 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.
- In an emergency call Triple Zero (000)
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Chris Pedler
Chris has been with the Bendigo Advertiser for more than 10 years. He has great passion for the performing arts and is very supportive of the Bendigo live music scene. Outside of the news world Chris plays golf and, regardless of the result, loves watching St Kilda play in the AFL. He loves community theatre and has performed on stage with the Bendigo Theatre Company and worked with Baldrick himself, Tony Robinson. Story tips: chris.pedler@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Chris has been with the Bendigo Advertiser for more than 10 years. He has great passion for the performing arts and is very supportive of the Bendigo live music scene. Outside of the news world Chris plays golf and, regardless of the result, loves watching St Kilda play in the AFL. He loves community theatre and has performed on stage with the Bendigo Theatre Company and worked with Baldrick himself, Tony Robinson. Story tips: chris.pedler@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Emma D'Agostino
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
