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- More than 17,000 properties are without power across the region, and emergency services are busy attending downed trees and fires. Click here for Code Red Day rolling coverage
- Ten thousand firefighters are on alert across Victoria's north-west, with strike teams on a "hair trigger" to respond to any blazes that break out. Click here to read more
STRATHALLAN FIRE: COMMUNITY INFORMATION- 9.24am SUNDAY
The Country Fire Authority has issued community information for Fairy Dell, Nanneella, Rochester, Strathallan.
There is a grass fire at Strathallan that is contained.
Firefighters are monitoring this fire.
Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.
There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required.
Unless the situation changes, this will be the last message issued for this fire.
For more information on preparing for grass fires visit: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/am-i-at-risk.
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.
TONGALA FIRE: COMMUNITY INFORMATION - 9.19am SUNDAY
The Country Fire Authority has issued community information for Tongala.
There is a haystack fire at Graham Road, Tongala that is contained.
Firefighters are monitoring this fire.
Haystack fires are not likely to spread into grassland but do generate a lot of smoke.
Smoke may be visible from nearby roads and communities as firefighters pull apart the hay to extinguish the fire.
There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required.
Unless the situation changes, this will be the last message issued for this fire.
For more information on hay fires visit: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/hay-and-fire-safety.
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.
TONGALA FIRE: COMMUNITY INFORMATION - 9.52am
The Country Fire Authority has issued community information for Tongala.
There is a haystack fire at Graham Road, Tongala. Firefighters are responding.
Haystack fires are not likely to spread into grassland but do generate a lot of smoke.
Smoke may be visible from nearby roads and communities as firefighters pull apart the hay to extinguish the fire.
There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required.
Unless the situation changes, this will be the last message issued for this fire.
For more information on hay fires visit: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/hay-and-fire-safety.
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.
STRATHALLAN FIRE: COMMUNITY INFORMATION- 9.19am SATURDAY
The Country Fire Authority has issued community information for Fairy Dell, Nanneella, Rochester, and Strathallan.
Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.
There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required.
Unless the situation changes, this will be the last message issued for this fire
For more information on preparing for grass fires visit: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/am-i-at-risk.
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.
DUNOLLY FIRE: COMMUNITY INFORMATION - 9.06am SATURDAY
The Country Fire Authority has issued community information for Bromley and Dunolly.
There is a building fire at a demolition yard on Betley Road, Dunolly.
Smoke might be visible from nearby roads and communities.
The fire is being monitored.
There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required.
Unless the situation changes, this will be the final message for this fire.
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 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.
DUNOLLY FIRE: COMMUNITY INFORMATION - 5.42pm
The Country Fire Authority has issued community information for Bromley and Dunolly.
There is a building fire at a demolition yard on Betley Road, Dunolly.
Smoke might be visible from nearby roads and communities.
This fire is being monitored.
There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required.
Unless the situation changes, this will be the final message for this fire.
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 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.
STRATHALLAN FIRE: ADVICE - 12.10pm FRIDAY
An advice message has been issued for Fairy Dell, Nanneella and Strathallan.
A grassfire south west of Strathallan and north of Rochester is under control.
Crews will remain on scene.
There is currently no threat, but people should stay informed and monitor conditions.
Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
Smoke might be visible from nearby communities and roads.
The fire has affected the Echuca to Bendigo rail line north of Rochester. People should check with V/Line for any changes to services.
The next update is expected by 9am tomorrow, or as the situation changes.
If you can smell smoke, please note:
- 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.
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.
THURSDAY
HUNTER FIRE: ADVICE - 7.26pm
The Country Fire Authority has issued an advice message for Elmore, Hunter and Minto.
A grassfire at Lockington Road, Hunter, is under control.
There is currently no threat, but people should stay informed and monitor conditions.
Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
Smoke and flames might be visible from near by communities and roads.
Firefighters will be in the area mopping up and patrolling the area.
The next update is expected by tomorrow at 10.30am or as the situation changes.
If you can smell smoke, please note:
- 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.
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.
MOUNT GLASGOW FIRE: ADVICE - 7.20pm
An advice message has been issued for Clunes, Dunach, Evansford, Glengower, Mount Beckworth, Mount Cameron, Mount Glasgow, Stony Creek, Talbot and Red Lion.
A grassfire at Firmans Road, Mount Glasgow, is under control.
There is currently no threat, but people should stay informed and monitor conditions.
Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
Smoke and flame could be visible from nearby communities and roads.
Firefighters will remain in the area for the next couple of days and continue to patrol the area.
The next Country Fire Authority update is expected by 10.20am tomorrow or as the situation changes.
BUCKRABANYULE: ALL CLEAR - 6.07pm
The grassfire at Buckrabanyule is now safe.
This all clear message replaces the watch and act issued at 1pm.
People located within Buckrabanyule and Wychitella are now able to resume normal activities.
Emergency Services might remain in the area.
This will be the Country Fire Authority's final message for this incident.
NATTE YALLOCK FIRE: ADVICE - 5.55pm
The Country Fire Authority has issued an advice message for Avoca, Homebush, Natte Yallock, Rathscar and Rathscar West.
The grassfire at Mills Lane, Natte Yallock, is under control.
This advice message replaces the watch and act issued at 3.13pm.
There is currently no threat, but people should stay informed and monitor conditions.
Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
Smoke will be visible from nearby communities and roads.
The next update is expected by 11am tomorrow, or as the situation changes.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING CANCELLED - 4.20pm
A severe thunderstorms warning for damaging winds in central and Mallee districts has been cancelled.
However, a separate severe weather warning for damaging winds, issued at 11am, is still current.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for damaging winds, for parts of the east Gippsland, northern country, north-central and north-east forecast districts.
The warning is also for people in west and south Gippsland areas.
PATHO FIRE: ADVICE - 2.55pm
The Country Fire Authority has issued an advice message for Patho, because of a building fire at Mcnaught Road.
The fire is now under control.
Firefighters are on scene and will monitor scene overnight.
There is currently no threat to the community, but people should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
People should keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
Smoke could remain in the area overnight.
The next update is expected by 8am or as the situation changes.
THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA WARNING - 2.16pm
The chief health officer has issued an advice message for air quality, for north-central, central and northern country weather districts.
People might experience asthma symptoms or difficulty breathing due to the combination of thunderstorm activity and high grass pollen levels.
People who have a history of asthma or hay fever, or who are experiencing wheezing, breathlessness, a feeling of tightness in the chest or a persistent cough, should have reliever medication with them at all times today.
Avoid the wind gusts before the storm. Go inside and close windows and doors before and during the storm.
People who are experiencing any of the above symptoms might be having an asthma attack.
An asthma attack is serious and can be life-threatening.
If you develop asthma symptoms, follow your asthma action plan, or if you don't have a plan, follow the 4 steps of asthma first aid.
Be aware of an increased chance of having an asthma attack or breathing difficulties. Call triple zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving, or if the person is having an asthma attack and a reliever is not available.
What you should do:
- If you have asthma carry a reliever puffer (usually blue) on you at all times today.
- If you have hay fever, review the asthma first aid steps and have a reliever puffer suitably available.
- If using air conditioning, turn it onto recirculate.
If you are experiencing asthma symptoms for the first time:
- Don't ignore them, see your doctor to make a diagnosis and if severe call Triple Zero (000).
- If required use asthma first aid. Remember that asthma relievers are available from pharmacies without a prescription.
Make sure you follow up with your doctor.
Call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your doctor if you require medical advice.
The next update is expected by 9.20pm 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 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.
- More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/#!/warning/9022/moreinfo
MOUNT HOOGHLY FIRE: ADVICE - 1.38pm
An advice message has been issued for Bet Bet, Mount Hooghly, Timor, Timor West.
There is a grassfire at Bet Bet-Mt Hooghly Road, Mount Hooghly, that is not yet under control.
The Country Fire Authority said there was no threat at this stage, but people should stay informed and monitor conditions.
What you should do:
- Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond
- If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions
Smoke might be visible from nearby communities and roads.
The next update is expected by 3.40pm or as the situation changes.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - 1.30pm
The cool wind change is moving across Victoria, making for some unstable conditions.
A warning has been issued for possible severe thunderstorms.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Bendigo, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong and Melbourne.
Note a more broad severe weather warning is current for damaging winds.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
- Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
- Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.
- Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.
