Update 8.47pm:
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A bushfire at Warrenmang in the Pyrenees Range State Forest that is under control. In a statement, DELWP said the bushfire was on Main Break, east of the Glen Lofty Warrenmang Road.
Earlier on Tuesday, the authority advised Glenlofty, Glenpatrick, Glenshee, Nowhere Creek, Percydale, Warrenmang to leave their homes due to concerns about the fire.
Crews have also stopped the spread of a grassfire in the Grampians started by lighting.
The fire flared up nine kilometres south of Pomonal on Monday night. In a statement, DELWP said crews would continue to patrol the area.
Horsham firefighters brought a bushfire 13 kilometres east-northeast of Glenisla under control at 7.33pm. Two other bushfires in the national park started by lightning are yet to be controlled.
There are closures in place at Mt William Road, Mitchell Road Mt William Picnic Ground Road and Mt William Summit, Major Mitchell Plateau walking track and the Kalymna Campground.
DELWP has also downgraded the warning level of a fire at Warrenmang in the Pyrenees Range State Forest from Watch and Act to Advice level. Nearby, 25 vehicles contained a 10-hectare fire in bushland eight kilometres northeast of Glenlofty at 8.16pm.
The latest warning from the weather bureau predicts severe thunderstorms in the east of the Wimmera over the next few hours. Wind gusts up to 104 kilometers per hour have been recorded at Walpeup today.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors.
- Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
- Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
- Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.
- Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.
Spokeswoman Susan Davie urged motorists to drive to the conditions.
Update 7.54pm:
The CFA has issued an advice warning to Lake Bolac, Mininera, Rossbridge, Tatyoon, Willaura, Mininera East residents.
It said a grassfire at Mininera is under control, but that "firefighters have been able to stop the spread of this fire".
"There is a live powerline down in the area across Delacombe Way- Please avoid this area," a statement at 6.54pm said.
Forest Fire Management Victoria has taken over control of the Mitchell Road fire, after CFA vehicles from Ararat Pomonal, Moyston, Great Western and Halls Gap earlier attended.
Update 7pm:
The CFA has dispatched six vehicles and three aircraft to fight a small fire close to Mitchell Road near Pomonal.
It was one of three fires sparked by bolts when a band of lightning swept across the Grampians on Monday night. The other two are burning nine kilometres south of Pomonal and 12km south of Halls Gap near Mt William Road.
The CFA says all three fires are still being controlled, and that while none post a threat to surrounding communities but they should plan for what to do if the situation changes.
The latest severe weather warning from the Bureau of Meteorology says damaging, locally destructive winds could affect Stawell, St Arnaud and Warracknabeal over the next several hours.
State Emergency Services volunteers have also been in action across the region this evening.
Spokeswoman Susan Davie said units had received six calls in the past several hours for trees down at Mount Arapiles, Rupanyup, Stawell CBD and east of St Arnaud.
Update 6.15pm:
Fixed-wing aircraft, fire trucks and bulldozers are being used to control a fire that has flared up in isolated bush in the Grampains National Park.
A CFA spokeswoman said 27 personnel from Horsham were working in the isolated bushland 13 kilometres east-northeast of Glenisla.
The authority issued an advice warning at 6.14pm, saying the fire was near Lodge Road and not yet under control. It said there was no threat to surrounding communities.
There have also been reports of small fires at Pomonal and Mount Cole Creek east of Ararat since 6pm.
A Watch and Act warning on a bushfire at Warrenmang in the Pyrenees Range State Forest - for which the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning suggests residents leave the area now - remains current.
6pm: Advice message issued for grassfire east of St Arnaud.
The CFA has issued a message for Gowar East, Kooreh, Logan, Slaty Creek, St Arnaud East.
- There is a grassfire at Gower East that is safe.
- The fire is in the vicinity of Wedderburn - Old St Arnaud Road and Gower East Road.
- Emergency services will continue to patrol this fire.
There is currently no threat to you, but you should stay informed and monitor conditions.
What you should do:
- Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
Impacts in your area:
- Smoke will be visible from nearby roads and communities.
Update, Monday 4:39pm
An Advice message has been issued for Amphitheatre, Avoca, Elmhurst, Moonambel, Tanwood in relation to a fire at Warrenmang.
- There is a bushfire at Warrenmang in the Pyrenees Range State Forest that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is on Main Break, east of the Glen Lofty Warrenmang Road.
- A south - south west wind change is expected later this evening which has the potential to push the fire north - north east. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
- Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire, but the situation can change at any time. You should monitor conditions and be ready to act.
- This Advice, replaces the Advice issued at 3:16pm.
There is currently no threat to you, but you should plan for what you will do if the situation changes.
What you should do:
- Monitor warnings so you can act quickly if the situation changes.
- Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
- Review your fire survival plan.
- If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.
Impacts in your area:
- Firefighters are responding to this fire.
- Emergency Services will remain in the area.
Update, Monday 4:16pm
A Watch and Act message has been issued for Glenlofty, Glenpatrick, Glenshee, Nowhere Creek, Percydale, Warrenmang and Pyrenees Range State Forest.
The Country Fire Authority advised people to leave now because conditions could worsen quickly and emergency services may not be able to assist those who stay.
- There is a bushfire at Warrenmang in the Pyrenees Range State Forest that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is on Main Break, east of the Glen Lofty Warrenmang Road.
- A south - south west wind change is expected later on this evening which has the potential to push the fire north - north east. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
- Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
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.
- 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.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area or Ararat.
Emergency Services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
Impacts in your area:
- Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
- Bushfires can generate enormous amounts of radiant heat.
- Bushfires can start spot fires and embers large distances ahead of the main fire.
- Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.
A cool change for New Years Eve
Bureau of Meteorology extreme weather desk senior forecaster Jonathan How said strong winds would continue through the night on Monday and into New Years Eve on Tuesday. But he said there would be a cool change overnight.
The top temperature forecast for New Years Eve in Horsham was 27 degrees, and 28 degrees in Warracknabeal.
The high for Nhill for Tuesday was 27 degrees and 25 degrees for Edenhope.
The forecast for Stawell for the final day of 2019 was a peak of 25 degrees and in Ararat it was 24.
The Country Fire Authority said the fire danger warning for the Wimmera on Tuesday and Wednesday would be very high.
Update, Monday 3:20pm
THE BUREAU of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for damaging, locally destructive winds for people in the North Central forecast district and parts of the Mallee and Wimmera forecast districts.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors.
- Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater.
- Avoid travel if possible.* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.* Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.* Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.
PARKS Victoria has recommended people avoid being in the Grampians National Park during the extreme heat.
More to come.
The Country Fire Authority issued an Advice message for for Amphitheatre, Avoca, Elmhurst in relation to the bushfire at Warrenmang in the Pyrenees Range State Forest that is not yet under control.
- This bushfire is on Main Break, east of the Glen Lofty Warrenmang Road.
- An increase in wind speed from north - north west is expected later today, which may cause the fire to travel south and south east towards Glenpatrick and Nowhere Creek.
- Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time. You should monitor conditions and be ready to act.
There is currently no threat to you, but you should plan for what you will do if the situation changes.
What you should do:
- Monitor warnings so you can act quickly if the situation changes.
- Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
- Review your fire survival plan.
- If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.
Impacts in your area:
- Firefighters are responding to this fire.
- Emergency Services will remain in the area.
Update, Monday 2:10pm
COUNTRY fire authority issued a Watch and Act message for Lexton for a grass fire travelling in an easterly direction towards the town.
Air support was on its way from Stawell to help deal with the fires, one of which was a grass fire on the west end of Rifle Range Road and the other on Lexton-Ararat Road.
The severity of the fires were currently unknown, however the Rifle Range Road fire was being prioritised initially.
Smoke is expected to be visible from nearby communities and emergency service vehicles will be in the area.
Staying close to a building that could be sheltered in was the safest option as conditions could change suddenly. People were advised to informed and monitor conditions.
Crews from Warrenmang & District, Lexton, Beaufort, Amphitheatre, Avoca, Langi Kal Kal, Raglan, Waubra, Learmonth-Addington, Landsborough, Brewster, Buangor & Middle Creek and Crowlands have been turning out to the Rifle Range Road fire.
What you should do:
- Monitor changes, including increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility that indicated the situation is changing.
- If you are away from home, do not return.
- Enact your fire survival plan.
If the situation changes you will need to leave quickly. Plan to:
- Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
- Emergency Services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
Impacts in your area:
- Grassfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the flames reach you.
The Watch and Act message is still in place for Glenlofty, Glenpatrick, Glenshee, Nowhere Creek, Percydale, Warrenmang and Pyrenees Range State Forest.
- There is a bushfire at Warrenmang in the Pyrenees Range State Forest that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is on Main Break, east of the Glen Lofty Warrenmang Road.
- An increase in wind speed from the north - north west is expected later today, which may cause the fire to travel south and south east towards Glenpatrick and Nowhere Creek. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
- Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
- This Watch and Act replaces the Advice Message issued at 5.26 am.
Update, Monday 12:25pm
COUNTRY fire authority issued a Watch and Act message for Glenlofty, Glenpatrick, Glenshee, Nowhere Creek, Percydale, Warrenmang and Pyrenees Range State Forest.
- There is a bushfire at Warrenmang in the Pyrenees Range State Forest that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is on Main Break, east of the Glen Lofty Warrenmang Road.
- An increase in wind speed from the north - north west is expected later today, which may cause the fire to travel south and south east towards Glenpatrick and Nowhere Creek. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
- Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
- This Watch and Act replaces the Advice Message issued at 5.26 am.
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.
- 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.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area or Ararat.
If you need medical advice for burns or exposure to smoke, seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024. Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000).
Emergency Victoria issued an Advice message for Amphitheatre, Avoca, Elmhurst.
- There is a bushfire at Warrenmang in the Pyrenees Range State Forest that is not yet under control.
- This bushfire is on Main Break, east of the Glen Lofty Warrenmang Road.
- An increase in wind speed from north - north west is expected later today, which may cause the fire to travel south and south east towards Glenpatrick and Nowhere Creek.
- Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time. You should monitor conditions and be ready to act.
There is currently no threat to you, but you should plan for what you will do if the situation changes.
What you should do:
- Monitor warnings so you can act quickly if the situation changes.
- Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
- Review your fire survival plan.
- If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.
Impacts in your area:
- Firefighters are responding to this fire.
- Emergency Services will remain in the area.
Update, Monday 11am:
A WATCH and Act has been issued to residents in the Glenlofty, Glenpatrick, Glenshee, Nowhere Creek, Percydale, Warrenmang areas.
A bush fire along the Main Break track is not yet under control.
Emergency Victoria has issued the following advice:
This Watch & Act message is being issued for Glenlofty, Glenpatrick, Glenshee, Nowhere Creek, Percydale, Warrenmang and Pyrenees Range State Forest.
- There is a bushfire at Warrenmang in the Pyrenees Range State Forest that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is on Main Break, east of the Glen Lofty Warrenmang Road.
- A wind change is expected later today, which may cause the fire to travel south and south east towards Glenpatrick and Nowhere Creek. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
- Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
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.
- 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.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area or Ararat.
VicRoads reported road closures on Tuesday due to fire activity between Mount Lonarch and Lexton with Ben Major Track closed from Chute-Lexton Road and Ration Track.
Earlier:
THE Country Fire Authority said a fire in Warracknabeal that started on Monday morning is under control.
Country Fire Authority District 17 commander Lindsay Barry said the small grassfire on the side of Warracknabeal-Birchip Road was reported at 8.16am.
"Four vehicles responded quickly," he said. "Fire investigators are now looking into the cause."
Mr Barry said with extreme fire weather conditions on Monday the CFA would be on high alert.
He said that District 17 had "well and truly" swung into action.
Mr Barry urged people to report any fires immediately to triple-0.
"With the heatwave I also want to remind people to ensure they are looking out for their neighbours, friends and the elderly," he said. "Extreme heat can cause health problems."
The CFA declared a statewide Total Fire Ban on Monday and forecast extreme fire danger for the Wimmera.
The CFA advised people to activate their bushfire survival plan and monitor the weather situation on www.emergency.vic.gov.au and www.bom.gov.au.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasted extreme fire weather for the Wimmera on Monday.
Temperatures in the Wimmera were expected to soar with a possible high of 45 in Warracknabeal, a top of 43 in Horsham and Nhill, and a peak of 42 for Edenhope.
The mercury could reach 41 in Stawell and Ararat.
Bureau of Meteorology Victoria senior forecaster Michael Efron said hot northerly winds could mean some dust developing across the Mallee and extending further south.
He said ahead of a cool change in the afternoon there could be some shower and thunderstorm activity across the central and western districts but with little or no rainfall and gusty winds.
The winds could reach up to 50km/h in parts of the Wimmera in the afternoon.
The Victorian Department of Health issued a low rating for epidemic thunderstorm asthma on Monday in the Wimmera.
Ambulance Victoria said in a statement there were two triple-0 calls made about people locked in cars in the Grampians between Friday and Sunday.
In the metro area Ambulance Victoria said three people had been hospitalised after being locked in hot cars on Sunday. Two were children in Springvale and one was a 70 year-old woman in Dandenong.
"The two incidents are among 23 triple zero calls paramedics have responded to since Friday morning where someone was locked in a hot car," the statement said.
The Department of Transport issued a statement urging motorists to consider their travel plans for Monday, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees across the state.
"Careful consideration of routes, as well as checking fire danger ratings and road closures before hitting the road is vital," the statement said.
The Department of Transport said those driving through regional areas should also prepare for the warmer conditions, avoiding travel during the hottest time of the day, where possible.
"In the event of a breakdown, drivers should attempt to stop their vehicle off the road, and avoid parking in long dry grass, which becomes a potential fire hazard due to the hot exhaust system," the statement said.
Extreme heat timetables have been implemented across all regional train lines, with some extended journey times, and the possibility of some trains being replaced by coaches.
Heat speed restrictions are used when temperatures exceed 36 degrees to reduce the likelihood of train and track faults, and to ensure passenger safety.
Drinking water will be provided on trains and passengers are encouraged to travel with bottled water, wear cool clothing and to delay travel if they're feeling unwell.
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