Source: VIC Emergency

Watch and Act - Bushfire - Leave Now

Issued Today at 12:11 PM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Bellfield, Bellfield Settlement, Halls Gap, Lake Fyans, Pomonal.

There is a bushfire at Grampians National Park, Bellfield that is not yet under control.
The bushfire is travelling in a southerly direction from the Terraces Fire Line, near Lake Bellfield in the Grampians National Park.
A wind change is expected around 2:00pm, which may cause the fire to change directions towards Pomonal and surrounding communities. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
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.
Protect yourself and your family.
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.
Many people have died trying to leave at the last minute during fires.
Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area or Stawell or Ararat.

Impacts in your area:
Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
Bushfires can generate enormous amounts of radiant heat. Heat will kill you before the fire reaches you.
Bushfires can start spot fires and embers can travel large distances ahead of the main fire.
Trees can be extremely hazardous during a bushfire or high winds. Avoid standing, parking or travelling in areas of fire affected trees.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 13/02/2024 03:20 pm or as the situation changes.

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.

CFA Current Bushfires