UPDATED, 5.17pm: A grass fire at Murphys Creek, 7km west of Tarnagulla, is now under control.
Emergency services contained the fire along Hancock's Road and no property had been damaged, a CFA spokesperson said.
A 'threat is reduced' alert replaced the earlier 'shelter indoors now' warning.
People located within Murphys Creek are now able to resume normal activities, though smoke may still be visible.
EARLIER: A 'shelter indoors now' warning has been issued as fires rage at Murphys Creek, seven kilometres west of Tarnagulla.
"You are in danger, act now to protect yourself. It is too late to leave," was the information given to residents in the immediate warning area on VicEmergency.
"The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately."
The fire was around 100 hectares in size and moving in a northerly direction in a canola crop, a CFA spokesperson said.
A total of 25 tankers from CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria were battling the blaze. Emergency services air craft had also been dispatched.
What you should do if you are in the danger zone:
Quickly move indoors:
- Bring your pets 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 harm 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.
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 in-ground pool.
- Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
In the car:
- If you are travelling, do not enter the warning area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety.
- If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights; smoke will make it difficult to see.
If caught in fire:
- 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.
