Source: VIC Emergency

This Emergency Warning is being issued for Dadswells Bridge, Glenorchy, Laharum, St Helens Plains, Wal Wal.

There is a bushfire at Grampians National Park, Mt Stapylton that is not yet under control.

The bushfire is now impacting private property north of Dadswells Bridge and is travelling in a north-easterly direction.
The fire has now crossed the Wimmera River west of Glenorchy near Nayla Swamp road on the northern side of the river.
Fire conditions are now dangerous and unpredictable.
This fire is threatening homes and lives.
It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
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:
Move away from the rooms that are on fire, closing doors behind you.
As soon as the bushfire has passed the house, or conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt. Staying inside a burning building will almost certainly end in death.
It may still be too hot to remain outside, so you will 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. 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 you are caught in fire in your car:
Park off the road 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:

The following road closures are in place:
Westerrn Highway between Horsham and the Stawell-Warracknabeal Road intersection
Stawell-Warracknabeal Road from Deep Lead to Rupanyup
Murtoa-Glenorchy Road south of Murtoa.

For those that have already left the area, there is a Relief Centre located at Grampians Community Health 8-22 Patrick Street, Stawell.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 14/02/2024 12:40 am 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.

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