General News
16 November, 2024
Bushfire threatens Wimmera's west, CFA tells residents to leave immediately
Bushfire threatens Wimmera's west, residents told to leave.
The CFA has issued an emergency warning for areas of the Wimmera's west as crews currently battle an out of control bushfire.
The warning was issued to residents in the area of Chetwynd and Connewirricoo at 3:56pm on Saturday, November 16.
An emergency relief center is open in Edenhope at the community center on Elizabeth Street.
The warning had previously included Kadnook where the bushfire is travelling from in a southerly direction towards Chetwynd.
The fire started in the blue gum plantation on Casterton-Edenhope Rd in Kadnook.
Chetwynd could be impacted anytime within the next 30 minutes.
The CFA has also issued a Watch and Act message for Brimboal, Chetwynd, Nareen, Wando Bridge, and Wando Vale, advising residents to leave now.
Residents of Balmoral, Brit Brit, Chetwynd, Connewirricoo, Coojar, Culla, Douglas, Edenhope, Englefield, Gringegalgona, Harrow, Kadnook, Konongwootong, Mooree, Nareen, Pigeon Ponds and Tarrayoukyan are being advised to stay informed.
For residents of Chetwynd, Connewirricoo and Kadnook, the CFA warns leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
What you should do:
Travel to:
The home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
You should leave using Casterton-Edenhope Rd and head towards Casterton.
When you leave remember to take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
In the car:
If you are travelling, do not enter the area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety.
Slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.
If you are unable to leave you should shelter indoors:
Close all exterior doors, windows and vents. 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 and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.
If you cannot get indoors, other 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.
AdvertisementTry to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
If you are caught in fire in your car:
Park 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 roads are closed:
Casterton-Edenhope Rd north of Chetwynd and south of Kadnook
Powers Creek-Bourkes Bridge Rd from Powers Creek.
Spot fires and embers are starting fires up to 3 kilometers ahead of the main fire.
This messages was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.
The next update is expected by 16/11/2024 08:00 pm or as the situation changes.
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
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.