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This Watch & Act message is for Bandiana, Baranduda, Leneva, Wodonga.
- There is a grassfire at Beechworth-Wodonga Rd, Wodonga that is not yet under control.
- This grassfire is travelling in a north-easterly direction from Beechworth-Wodonga Road.
- This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act issued at 10:01pm Friday 10th January 2020.
- Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of the fire for now, but this can change at any time and the situation is still dangerous. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
Staying close to a building you can shelter in is the safest option as conditions can change suddenly.
Continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
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.
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:The following roads are closed:
- Streets Road at Wodonga-Beechworth Road
- Baranduda Blv at Boyes Road
Relief Centre:
- The Cube Relief Centre has been opened at Hovell Street, Wodonga
PREVIOUS
Firefighters remain on scene at an out-of-control grass and scrub fire in Wodonga.
The fire originated at Beechworth-Wodonga Road, Wodonga, burning near Bandiana army land and onto Baranduda range.
Multiple aircraft were called in to assess and help control the blaze.
VicEmergency advises the fire is travelling in an easterly direction towards Baranduda and Killara.
An emergency warning was issued for parts of Bandiana, Baranduda, Killara, Leneva and Wodonga advising residents it was too late to leave and they should to shelter indoors.
A watch and act warning is in place for Killara, Baranduda, Bandiana and Bonegilla, with residents advised firefighters have been unable to stop the fire.
"If you live directly next to grassland, quickly walk two or more streets away from the fire. Grass fires are unlikely to spread past the first row of house," the warning states.
AusNet reports 154 houses in Bonegilla have lost power, along with 51 customers in Ebden, 2 in Huon and 1 in Bandiana.
Traffic lights at High Street/Murray Valley Highway and the Lincoln Causeway have stopped working as have street lights on the Hume Highway on ramp.
The following roads are closed:
- Bandiana Link at Anzac Parade
- Baranduda Blvd and Wodonga-Beechworth Road
- Murray Valley Highway at Whytes Road
- Kiewa Valley Highway at Baranduda Drive
PREVIOUSLY:
Vic Emergency has upgraded their advice around the Wodonga grassfire to an emergency warning.
The grassfire is travelling from Beechworth-Wodonga Road, Wodonga in an easterly direction towards Baranduda and Killara.
Some parts of Wodonga have been left without power and there are reports Wodonga's Stump Hotel has been evacuated.
This Emergency Warning is being issued for Bandiana, Baranduda, Leneva, Wodonga.
- There is a grassfire at Beechworth-Wodonga Rd, Wodonga that is out of control.
- The grassfire is travelling from Beechworth-Wodonga Road, Wodonga in an easterly direction towards Baranduda.
You are in danger, act now to protect yourself. It is too late to leave. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately.
What you should do:
Quickly move indoors:
- Bring your pets 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, 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 in-ground pool.
- Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
In the car:
- If you are travelling, do not enter the warning area. Turn around and drive to safety.
- If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights; smoke will make it difficult to see.
If caught in fire:
- 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 woollen blanket.
Impacts in your area:
- Roads in the area may be closed by Police.
- Grassfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the flames reach you.
- Grassfires can start and spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.
The next update is expected by 10/01/2020 08:30 pm or as the situation changes.
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 can see or 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.
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
- VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
- VicEmergency app.
- Facebook or Twitter (#vicfires).
- 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.
PREVIOUS:
An out-of-control grassfire is burning on Beechworth-Wodonag Road, Wodonga, with CFA issuing a watch and act warning for nearby areas.
This Watch & Act message is for Leneva.
- There is a grassfire at Beechworth-Wodonga Rd, Wodonga that is not yet under control.
- This grassfire is travelling in a easterly direction from corner of Beechworth Wodonga Road and Baranduda Blvd.
Staying close to a building you can shelter in is the safest option as conditions can change suddenly.
Continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
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.
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:
- Roads in the area may be closed by Police.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.