Bushfire information: Hepburn Springs warning downgraded, fire still active
UPDATE 5.55pm: An emergency warning for Hepburn and Hepburn Springs has been downgraded to a watch and act alert, although the fire is not yet under control.
Firefighters remain on scene, and aircraft and heavy machinery continue to operate.
People in the area are advised to monitor changes to the situation.
Roads are closed at Midland Highway and Back Hepburn Road, and Main Road and Mineral Springs Crescent.
UPDATE 5.45pm: Water bombing aircraft have been working in the vicinity of Mannings Road and Dry Diggings Track.
The town water supply remains safe to drink, but those on tank water are advised their water might be contaminated from debris, ash and aerial bombing activities.
Anyone whose property has been affected by aerial water bombing or fire retardant activities is urged to contact Hepburn Shire Council on 5348 2306 from tomorrow morning.
The council will help determine if tanks need to be cleaned out before water is consumed.
Hepburn Primary School, Daylesford Primary School, Daylesford Secondary College and St Michael’s Primary School will all be closed on Monday.
Anyone who finds injured wildlife should call the Wildlife Victoria 24 hour state-wide wildlife rescue service on 1300 094 535 or Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning forest and wildlife officers on 136 186.
UPDATE 3.45pm: The CFA will hold a community meeting at the Daylesford Town Hall at 6pm for residents of the area.
The VicEmergency hotline can be reached on 1800 226 226
UPDATE 12pm: An emergency warning remains in place for Hepburn and Hepburn Springs, as a fire continues to burn out of control to the north.
People in the area are still urged to leave the area.
People should leave using Main Road and head towards Daylesford.
Roads are blocked at the Midland Highway and Back Hepburn Road; Forest Avenue and Back Hepburn Road; Main Road and Ninth Street; and Main Road and Twentieth Street.
A Relief Centre has been established and is open at Victoria Park, Burrall Street (off the Ballan-Daylesford Road) in Daylesford until further notice.
In the car:
- If you are travelling, do not enter the area. U-turn to safety.
- Slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.
If you are unable to leave you should shelter indoors:
- Close all exterior doors, windows and vents. 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, other 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 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-coniditiong 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.
UPDATE 11.20am: A second emergency warning has been issued for Hepburn and Hepburn Springs, urging residents to leave now.
Another update is expected by noon.
A watch and act alert remains current for Bryces Flat, Daylesford, Dry Diggings, Eganstown, Elevated Plains, Kidds Gully, Porcupine Ridge and Shepherds Flat, with people in those areas asked to monitor the situation and any changes.
EARLIER: Residents in the Hepburn Springs area are asked to leave the area immediately because of a bushfire at Elevated Springs, north west of the town.
The fire is not yet under control and is travelling in a southerly direction towards Hepburn Springs and Hepburn.
Hepburn and the northern part of Hepburn Springs could be affected anytime within the next two hours.
Residents are advised leaving immediately is the safest option.
People in the area are advised to leave using Main Road and head towards Daylesford.
A relief centre is open at Victoria Park in Burrall Street, Daylesford.
Police are door-knocking on Golden Springs Avenue, Lone Pine Avenue, Range Road and Forest Avenue.
Those unable to leave should close all exterior doors, windows and vents, and turn off cooling systems.
They should shelter in a room with two exits, including one that leads outside.
If the home or building catches fire, people are advised to get out and go to an area already burnt.
Ten CFA units are currently at the fire, along with heavy machinery and aircraft.
Roads are closed at the corner of the Midland Highway and Back Hepburn Road, and the corner of Forest Avenue and Back Hepburn Road.
A watch and act message has also been issued for Bryces Flat, Daylesford, Dry Diggings, Eganstown, Elevated Plains, Kidds Gully, Porcupine Ridge and Shepherds Flat, with people in those areas asked to monitor the situation and take note of any changes.
Anyone away from home should avoid returning.
For more information, visit emergency.vic.gov.au.
A total fire ban applies across Victoria on Sunday.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.