Emergency Warning Issued For: St Helens Plains Fire Origin: 18KM SOUTH WEST OF DADSWELLS BRIDGE Incident Name: GRAMPIANS - NORTHERN GRAMPIANS Issued: 18/01/14 2:10 AM This is an Emergency Warning issued by Department of Environment and Primary Industries for St Helens Plains. There is a fast moving, out of control bushfire in the St Helens Plains area. The fire is now approximately 41,000ha in size. Fire conditions have changed and are highly erratic. Spotfires and Ember Attacks are occurring. Leaving now is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous. Emergency Services may not be able to help if you decide to stay. See the VicRoads website for Road Closures. Residents will be able to leave the area. Relief Centres are located at: Horsham: Senior Citizens Centre Stawell: Leisure Centre Hamilton: Indoor/Outdoor Leisure Centre Ararat: Performing Arts Centre The next update is expected by 18/01/14 2:30 AM or as the situation changes. Safety Information When indoors: Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and 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. If you cannot get indoors, other last resort options include: A large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve. A large body of water like a dam, lake, river, the ocean or inground pool. Try to protect yourself from the fires heat. In the car: Park behind a solid structure to block the fires heat or pull over to a cleared area. Try to position the car towards the approaching fire. Put on your hazard lights and headlights. Turn the engine off, close all windows and ensure that car air vents are closed. Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a woolen blanket. If you are travelling, do not enter the area, U-turn to safety. If you are away from home, do not return. For life or property threatening emergencies call 000 If you need medical advice for burns or smoke exposure call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024 Stay Informed: Via cfa.vic.gov.au Tune to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations or Sky News TV Call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667 Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment can contact VBIL via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677. Download the FireReady App and follow CFA on Twitter or Facebook Road Closures: check VicRoads Website.
Posted on: Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:23:19 +0000