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If you are under threat from fire...

Stay informed

• Listen to ABC and local radio for updates on the current fire situation. Urgent threat messages are broadcast on ABC radio and are also listed in the box above.
• Check the DSE website for information about fires on public land.
• Check the CFA website for information about fire restrictions, fire bans and fires on private land.
• Contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667.
• Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech or communication impairment may call textphone/telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969.

However, you need to remain alert to your local fire conditions - there may not be an official warning if fire conditions change unexpectedly.


Stay or go

Decide whether or not you are going to stay or go, well ahead of the fire front arriving.

Leaving late with a fire in your area can be deadly. Road use during a fire is extremely hazardous due to low visibility from smoke and the risk of driving into flames. There are also risks from emergency services vehicles, other vehicles, fallen trees, power lines, abandoned cars and wildlife.


If your house is threatened

Be prepared to activate your bushfire survival plan.

Residents in areas impacted by fires may experience smoke and burning embers reaching their properties. You are advised to patrol your house to find, and put out, any burning embers that land.

Protect yourself from radiant heat by wearing correct protective clothing consisting of long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy boots and a broad brimmed hat. On no account should synthetic materials be worn.

It will be unsafe to be on foot or in a car as the fire front approaches - the heat radiating from the fire will be intense.

Buildings offer the best protection during the passage of a fire front. Close all doors and windows and stay inside the house while the fire passes. Remain alert, extinguish any small fires and if necessary, move outside to burnt ground once the fire has passed.

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.


Road travel

If you are caught on the road, STAY IN THE CAR.

• Pull to the side, preferably in an area clear of tall trees and long grass.
• Put your hazard lights on.
• Close the windows and vents.
• Cover any exposed areas of skin with a woollen blanket and get down as low as possible.
• Only when the fire has passed do you get out and move to safety.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Residents who are away from home should not try to return to the area as access is limited and the roads may not be safe.

Continue to listen to ABC or local radio for updates on fires and access VicRoads website for information about road closures at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au