UPDATE 630PM:
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The fire is now contained.
“There is less smoke dispersing from the fire but a strong smell may remain in the area for the next hour or so,” a CFA spokesperson said.
EARLIER:
Skipton residents have been advised to shut house or car windows after a tyre fire broke out southeast of the town this afternoon.
A CFA spokesperson said the blaze was emitting black smoke.
“There is a pile of tyres on fire in grass and scrub on the Skipton-Ballarat Rail Trail,” they said.
"People in the vicinity should shut house or car windows and close external vents and air conditioning.
"Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond."
The next update is expected about 8.30pm or as the situation changes.
Health information:
If you need medical advice for 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 000.
Smoke information:
Smoke can affect people's health.
People with heart or lung conditions (including asthma), children, pregnant women and older people are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
People with existing heart or lung conditions (including asthma) should follow the treatment plan advised by the doctor.
Stay informed:
Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
Call the VicEmergency Hotline to talk to someone about preparedness on freecall 1800 226 226.
People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
For help with English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VicEmergency Hotline. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.
Download the VicEmergency app or follow VicEmergency on Twitter (#vicfires) or Facebook.
More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/#!/warning/2019/moreinfo