Update 3pm:
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Fire crews have contained a large bushfire at Pastoria.
Three CFA crews reamin on scene and are working to strengthen containment lines ahead of afire danger day on Wednesday.
An Advice message remains in place for Pastoria and Pipers Creek.
It reads: "Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing."
Update 10am:
CFA District commander Hugh Kelly is hopeful the bushfire at Pastoria, near Kyneton, will be controlled by lunchtime.
One helicopter, two bulldozers, an excavator, a Department of Land, Water and Planing taskforce of 10 and 11 CFA resources are currently at the fire.
Mr Kelly said the fire is about 125 hectares in size and still not under control. It is burning in private bushland.
"We are working with (firefighting) aircraft and two bulldozers to put a containment line around (the fire)," he said.
"We are hoping by midday we can push line from the western to northern flank through the forest using a Forest Fire Management bulldozer and private bulldozer. Then we can use the helitak to control it.
"It's looking like it will take to midday to put a secure line around it."
Mr Kelly said the fire was started after a lighting strike but there had been little rain to help crews control the blaze.
"There was little to no rain at Cobaw and ice and hail at Lancefield," he said. "We would welcome 10 to 20 millimetres of gentle rain and 50mm across the whole state."
Mr Kelly said the fire threatened some properties but that no assets had been lost.
"It threatened last night and came within 200m of four or five houses but the CFA provided asset protection," he said. "It has been contained to private bush. At this stage, there is no structural loss, no livestock lost and I don't believe any fencing lost.
"Anything in the Cobaw (area) is normally a real touch up. Crews did a really good job. They were on scene at 6.20pm and were boosted with a task force this morning."
A Watch and Act notice remains in place for the Pastoria and Pipers Lane areas.
"We need be people be situationally aware and monitor the warnings," Mr Kelly said.
Update 6.45am:
A large bushfire is still burning at Baynton Road, Pastoria, 30km east of Kyneton.
A CFA spookesman said the fire was not yet under control and that three appliances had remained on scene overnight to control the fire.
Fire crews were called to the scene at 6.30pm last night with both CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria resources deployed.
The fire is burning in the Stringybark Forest but crews have put in a containment line at an adjoining forest.
A Watch and Act notice has been issued urging residents and people in the Pastoria and Pipers Creek areas to monitor conditions.
It says firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire but the situation may change at any time.
The next update is expected at 8am.
An advice message has also been issued for the nearby communities of Bald Hill, Carlsruhe, Kyneton, Pastoria, Pipers Creek, Woodleigh Heights.
It states there is no threat to these communities but that warnings should be monitored.
Smoke may be seen in these areas as a result of the Pastoria fire.
Update: 6.30am:
This Watch & Act message is being issued for Pastoria, Pipers Creek.
- There is a bushfire at Baynton Rd, Pastoria that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling toward Pipers Creek.
- This watch and act replaces the Emergency Warning issued at 12.58am on 20th January 2020.
- Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
It is important to monitor conditions regularly as they may change and get worse very quickly.
What you should do:
- Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
- If you are away from home, do not return.
If the situation changes or you feel unsafe you should leave:
- Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
Impacts in your area:
- Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
- Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.
The next update is expected by 20/01/2020 08:00 am 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 can see or 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.
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 10.45pm:
An Emergency Warning remained in place late into the evening for a fire burning in the Cobaw Ranges, east of Kyneton.
The Country Fire Authority said the fire was burning towards Pipers Creek, putting lives and property at risk.
Update 9.30pm:
The area covered by the Emergency Warning has changed.
This Emergency Warning is being issued for Lancefield, Newham, Pastoria, Pipers Creek.
- There is a bushfire at Baynton Rd, Pastoria that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling toward Piper's Creek.
- The fire started near the Cobaw Ranges.
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- This Emergency Warning replaces the Watch and Act issued at 9.18pm.
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.
What you should do:
You should move indoors:
- Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from pure cotton or wool. Wear leather boots.
- Bring your pets inside.
- 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, such as a door or window 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. It may still be too hot to remain outside, so you'll need to seek shelter in another structure or last resort option.
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 pure woollen blanket.
Impacts in your area:
- Bushfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the fire reaches you.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.
The next update is expected by 19/01/2020 11:30 pm 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 can see or 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.
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 9.15pm:
A further upgrade, now putting this fire at Emergency Warning level.
This Emergency Warning is being issued for Pastoria, Pipers Creek.
- There is a bushfire at Baynton Rd, Pastoria that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling towards Piper's Creek.
- The fire started near the Cobaw Ranges.
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- This message is for people East of Goochs Lane.
- This Emergency Warning replaces the Watch and Act for this area at 8.50pm 19/01/2020.
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.
What you should do:
You should move indoors:
- Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from pure cotton or wool. Wear leather boots.
- Bring your pets inside.
- 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, such as a door or window 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. It may still be too hot to remain outside, so you'll need to seek shelter in another structure or last resort option.
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 pure woollen blanket.
Impacts in your area:
- Embers are being carried by the wind large distances ahead of the main fire and starting spot fires.
- Bushfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the fire reaches you.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.
The next update is expected by 19/01/2020 11:20 pm 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 can see or 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.
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.
There is also an Advice message for Kyneton, urging residents there to monitor the warnings.
Update, 8.55pm:
The warning for the Baynton Rd, Pastoria fire has been upgraded to Watch and Act.
Here are the latest details.
This Watch & Act message is being issued for Lancefield, Newham, Pastoria, Pipers Creek.
- There is a bushfire at Baynton Rd, Pastoria that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling towards Piper's Creek.
- This watch and act replaces the advice issued at 8.15pm Sunday 19th January 2020.
- Properties along Goochs Lane will be experiencing ember attack.
Don't wait, leaving now is the safest option - conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency Services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
What you should do:
- Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
- If you are away from home, do not return.
- If you have time check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
If the situation changes or you feel unsafe you should leave:
- 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.
Impacts in your area:
- Bushfires can start spot fires and embers large distances ahead of the main fire.
- Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.
The next update is expected by 20/01/2020 12:30 am 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 can see or 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.
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.
Earlier:
Crews are tackling bushfires burning in the Macedon Ranges, east of Kyneton.
Two Advice warnings have been issued.
The first was published at 7.45pm on Sunday:
This Advice message is being issued for Cobaw, Lancefield, Pastoria.
- There is a bushfire at 7.5Km Nne Of Newham that is not yet under control.
There is currently no threat to communities, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
What you should do:
- Monitor warnings so you can act quickly if the situation changes.
Impacts in your area:
- Firefighters are responding to this fire.
- Smoke will be visible from nearby roads and communities.
This message was issued by Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning.
The next update is expected by 20/01/2020 10:00 am 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 can see or 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.
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.
The second Advice message was issued at 8.15pm for Lancefield, Pastoria, Pipers Creek.
- There is a bushfire at Baynton Rd, Pastoria that is not yet under control.
There is currently no threat to communities, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
What you should do:
- Monitor warnings so you can act quickly if the situation changes.
Impacts in your area:
- Firefighters are responding to this fire.
- Smoke may be visible from nearby roads and communities.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.
The next update is expected by 20/01/2020 10:00 am 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 can see or 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.
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.
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