UPDATE – 10pm
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A 60-hectare bushfire 2.8 kilometres north of Ararat has been brought under control with the help of aircraft and 38 firefighting vehicles.
The CFA has issued an advice message for Great Western and Balgana areas.
There is a bushfire at Saw Pit Road that is under control.
This advice message replaces the previous ‘Watch and Act’ message.
There is currently no threat to communities, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
There is currently no threat to you, but you should plan for what you will do if the situation changes.
The bushfire was declared contained at 7.18pm.
EARLIER – 6.30pm
The Country Fire Authority has issued a ‘Watch and Act’ message for Crowlands and Balgana areas due to a bushfire north of Ararat.
There is a bushfire at Saw Pit Road, 2.8 kilometres north of Ararat, that is not yet under control as of 6.30pm on Saturday.
30 emergency vehicles are responding to the 40 hectare fire. Multiple aircraft and water bombers, including units from Stawell and Raglan, are attending the incident.
Emergency services have been called to at least one structure fire in the area.
The bushfire is travelling in a north-westerly direction towards Crowlands.
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:
- When you leave remember to take your pets, mobile phone and medications.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area or ARARAT.
- Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
- If you are away from home do not return.
- Monitor conditions for changes in the situation.
- Review your fire survival plan.
- If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.
- If you have time check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Impacts in your area:
- Bushfires can generate enormous amounts of radiant heat.
- Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.
- Trees can be extremely hazardous during a bushfire or high winds. Avoid standing, parking or travelling areas of fire effected trees.
- Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
The next update is expected by 08.30 pm Saturday 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 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.
How to stay informed:
- Via www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
- Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
- Call the VicEmergency Hotline to talk to someone about preparedness on freecall 1800 226 226.
- People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
- For help with English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VicEmergency Hotline. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.
- Download the VicEmergency app or follow VicEmergency on Twitter (#vicfires) or Facebook.