8.30pm
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A fire at Tuckermans Lane in Big Hill has been declared safe.
People in Big Hill and Kangaroo Flat are now able to resume normal activities.
Firefighters remain on scene, and are likely to do so for some time.
Jack, Harry and Shane Mulqueen said the fire was huge, at its peak.
They were amazed to see so many units, some of which had travelled from well outside Bendigo.
"The response was incredible," Shane said.
He said firefighters were on scene fast, and aerial support was there within about 15 minutes.
"They all did a great job," he said.
Shane's mother, who is now in her 80s, has lived on Tuckermans Lane most of her life.
Harry said he could feel the radiant heat from the property's backyard, at the height of the fire.
His nan appeared to have been more interested in watching the cricket.
7.30pm
A Country Fire Authority advice message has replaced the watch and act message in place for Big Hill and Kangaroo Flat.
The grassfire at Tuckermans Lane, Big Hill, is under control.
Firefighters, aircraft and heavy machinery have been able to contain the fire.
Firefighting crews will remain on scene for some time to ensure the fire is safe.
There is currently no threat, but people should stay informed and monitor conditions.
What you should do:
- Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
- Review your fire survival plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Find information on protecting yourself and your family: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/grassfires-rural/
- If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Impacts in your area:
- Smoke might be visible from nearby roads and communities.
- If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights; smoke will make it difficult to see.
The next update is expected by 8am on Friday, or as the situation changes.
For more information on preparing for grass fires visit: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/grassfires-rural.
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).
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.
6.59pm
The fire is under control.
Almost 30 tankers are on scene of the fire, at Tuckermans Lane.
A Country Fire Authority spokeswoman said people should still follow the advice issued earlier.
6.30pm
The Country Fire Authority has issued a watch and act message for Big Hill and Kangaroo Flat.
A grass fire at Tuckermans Lane is not yet under control.
The fire is travelling in a northerly direction from Tuckermans Lane towards Gee Road.
The CFA has advised anyone in the area: "staying close to a building you can shelter in is the safest option as conditions can change suddenly."
It has encouraged people to continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility could indicate the situation is changing.
"If you are away from home, do not return," the CFA has advised.
"If the situation changes you will need to leave quickly."
The CFA advised people to plan to:
- 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 may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
- If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights; smoke will make it difficult to see.
- If you're in a car and become caught in a grassfire, don't get out and run.
- If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Find information on protecting yourself and your family: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/grassfires-rural/.
- If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Impacts in your area:
- Grassfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the flames reach you.
- Grassfires can start and spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
- Now is the time to charge your mobile phone. Pack a car phone charger or spare battery. You should check the batteries in your radio.
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 can see or smell smoke:
- 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.
Earlier
FIREFIGHTERS are responding to a fire at Big Hill.
The fire is at Tuckermans Lane and is not yet under control.
Almost 20 vehicles are responding, in response to a recent request for more resources.
Firefighters were called to the fire at Tuckermans Lane in Big Hill shortly before 6pm.
More to come
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