UPDATE, 6.45pm:
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A CFA spokesperson said one structure has been lost in the Mount Clear bushfire.
The fire is now under control and residents will be allowed back into the area, provided they show identification.
Some traffic modifications are still in place around Whitehorse Road, Brittain Street, and Bridge Street.
CFA ground crews will continue to contain the fire overnight.
UPDATE, 4.25pm:
The Mount Clear fire has been labelled as contained on the VicEmergency website.
Road closures on Whitehorse Road, Brittain Street, and Bridge Street will remain in place as fire crews continue to work on the fire.
People are urged to avoid the area if possible.
UPDATE, 3.30pm:
The emergency warnings have been reduced to watch and act for Mount Clear, as firefighters begin to take control.
A community meeting will be held at the Buninyong Community Centre from 6pm today.
The fire has burnt 19 hectares, one within a pine plantation, with the rest on private property.
UPDATE, 2.45pm:
CFA watch and act warnings are still in place for Mount Clear as fire crews continue to bring the plantation fire under control.
The emergency warnings issued by the CFA for Sebastopol and Mount Clear are still current despite a press conference earlier this afternoon where fire crews said they were confident they had the blaze contained.
UPDATE, 12.25pm: An emergency warning has been issued for Mount Clear. The bushfire is travelling in a southerly direction towards Whitehorse Road. Whitehorse Road has been closed off.
Leaving now is the safest option before conditions become too dangerous.
What you should do
Travel to:
- You should leave using Geelong Road and head towards Ballarat.
- The home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
- When you leave remember to take your pets, mobile phone and medications.
In the car:
- If you are travelling, do not enter the area. U-turn 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 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.
- Try 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-coniditiong 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 woollen blanket.
EARLIER: The CFA has issued a watch and act message for a fire in Mt Clear.
It is listed as a grassfire at Tinworth Av, Mount Clear that is not yet under control.
So far only Tinworth Avenue has been closed to traffic but the CFA is advising over other developments as they tackle the blaze.
The CFA advises
- If you live directly next to grassland, quickly move two or more streets away from the fire. Grass fires are unlikely to spread past the first row of houses.
- If your home is surrounded by grasslands, and you are not in an estate, you should immediately shelter within your home. It is not safe for you to leave.
- Staying close to shelter is the safest option, in case conditions change again suddenly. Continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
What you should do:
If you live next to grasslands:
- When you leave remember to take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
- Keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
- If you are away from home do not return. Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
- If you live two or more streets away from the grassland you should shelter indoors:
- Bring your pets indoors.
- Close all exterior doors, windows and vents.
- Turn off cooling systems.
- Monitor conditions.
Impacts in your area:
- Grassfires can start and spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
- This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.
- The next update is expected by 16/04/2019 02:00 pm or as the situation changes.
If you can smell smoke, please note:
- 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.
Health information:
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).
If you cannot smell smoke you are not likely to be exposed to smoke and it will therefore not affect you.