Vic Emergency has ordered residents of Dinner Plain, Falls Creek and Hotham Heights to Evacuate Now in a warning released after 5pm today.
The warning is current until 10.00am on Saturday, January 4. Evacuation after this time is considered life threatening and it may be too late to leave. If you have not left by this time and find yourself in the fire line then shelter indoors and protect yourself from the radiant heat.
The official advice is to close all exterior doors, windows and vents. Turn off cooling systems. Shelter in a room that has a door and or a window to the outside. It is critical to keep an eye on what is happening with the fire.
Vic Emergency also advises that there are multiple bushfires burning in the Abbeyard area that are not yet under control. Victoria Police are supporting evacuations in the area. However you can not rely on emergency services to evacuate you.
Fire weather on Saturday is predicted to be extreme creating fire storm conditions which may not be survivable.
If you are located in Dinner Plain, Falls Creek and Hotham Heights it is strongly recommended that you evacuate now and move to a safer location away from the fire.
When you leave remember to take your pets, mobile phone and charger. If you are away from home; do not return. If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you.
Travel to a safer location. Options include a relief centre is open at Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Ovens St Wangaratta. The home of family or friends away from the warning area.
If you evacuate to a family or friend’s house you should register with Red Cross at Register.Find.Reunite or by calling 1800 727 077 to let people know you are safe.
Residents in Dinner Plain, Hotham Heights should leave via Great Alpine Road and head towards Wangaratta. Residents in Falls Creek should leave via Bogong High Plains road to the Kiewa Valley Highway.
Great Alpine Road between Tawonga Gap Road Germantown and Dry Hill Road, Omeo is closed. Residents between Germantown and Harrietville will continue to have access to the immediate area to tend to livestock.
Check in with the following resources for more information.
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- VicEmergency Hotline freecall 1800 226 226.
- VicEmergency app
- Facebook or Twitter (#vicfires)
