Information about the fire
The Little Desert National Park fire is not yet under control and has burnt over 95,000 hectares, with a perimeter of around 440kms. Favourable weather conditions over the past few days have meant there is minimal fire activity, although surrounding communities may continue to see smoke, particularly on days of increased wind.
Aircraft and firefighting crews are working together to find and extinguish ‘hot spots’ – isolated pockets of smouldering fire within the existing fire area. Crews are also strengthening containment lines around the fire, to prevent it spreading any further.
Forecast increased winds and temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday may increase smoke in the surrounding areas.
The Lillimur fire, west of Kaniva-Edenhope Road, is contained.
Road closures
The Nhill-Harrow Road and Kaniva-Edenhope Road is open. Current information is available via the VicTraffic website traffic.transport.vic.gov.au or by calling 13 11 70.
Essential water replacement
If Essential Water has been taken from domestic tanks and stock or irrigation dams for firefighting, it will be replaced (quantity taken) if requested by the landholder. The quantity of Essential Water taken for firefighting is the same amount of Essential Water to be replaced.
To lodge a request for essential water replacement, download and complete the Essential Water Replacement form, then email it to Emergency.recovery@deeca.vic.gov.au
More info here: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/recovery-after-an-emergency/public-land-recovery
Park closure
Little Desert National Park is closed to ensure visitor and community safety and to support the firefighting effort.
Recovery support
Council have staff available at the Dimboola Library to provide recovery support on:
- Tuesday, 11 February 2pm to 5pm
- Wednesday, 12 February 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm
- Thursday, 13 February 2pm to 5pm
- Friday, 14 February 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm
For all relief and recovery needs, visit your local council website or social media channel:
Hindmarsh Shire Council
West Wimmera Shire Council
Wildlife welfare
Wildlife field response activities commenced on 1 February, with trained assessment teams working in fire impacted areas where safe. If you see wildlife impacted by fire, please call the wildlife coordinator on 1300 356 682, who can pass this on to the wildlife field assessment teams operating across the fireground. Injured and orphaned wildlife not associated with an emergency should still be reported to a local authorised wildlife carer or rescuer or to Wildlife Victoria.
Emergency relief payments
Emergency relief payments are available for people impacted by the Western Victoria bushfires. You may be eligible if:
- your principal place of residence was damaged or destroyed and you can’t live in it, or
- your principal place of residence was in an evacuation warning area, and you evacuated your property, and
- you have unmet immediate relief needs.
Payments are based on an amount for each member of your household, up to a maximum of $2380 per eligible family.
To apply for a payment, call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 (select option 0, then option 1).
Have some ID ready, if you can, like:
- driver’s license
- Medicare card
- letter or utility bill showing your address
Protect your health
Nurse-on-Call 1300 60 60 24 is a free helpline that will connect you with a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Smoke health
Smoke from fires can increase air pollution, and exposure to smoke can affect you and your family's health. For further information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bushfiresmoke
If you are sensitive to smoke:
- Make sure you have enough Ventolin, and take it with you when you travel.
- Tell your family where it is kept – it may be difficult to breathe or speak.
- Set air conditioning to recirculate in your car and at home.
- Stay with family or friends away from the smoke impacted area if possible.
Mental health
It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions following a distressing event.
Help is available through:
- Horsham Mental Health and Well being Hub, open Mon-Fri 9am-3pm. 185 Baille St. Ph 1300 375 330 Offering free outreach and in person support and. Free and available to Victorians of all ages.
- Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative (Horsham) Ph 5381 6301
- Your doctor or local mental health professionals
- Lifeline - 131 114
- Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
- MensLine - 1300 789 978
- Kid’s Help Line - 1800 55 1800
- Parent Line - 13 22 89
Small business support
Support is available to help small businesses recover from emergencies, visit Business Victoria and Regional Development Victoria websites.
After a fire – cleaning up and water safety
Private drinking water and water tank safety
Your water source may be contaminated from debris, ash, small dead animals or aerial fire retardants. If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not drink it or give it to animals. Also, you should not source water from a creek that has been affected by bushfire as the water may be contaminated.
Water drawn from deep bores or wells should continue to be safe to use.
Cleaning up a smoke affected home
If your home has been damaged by the fire or smells of smoke from bushfires you should: ventilate your home; wash hard surfaces (furniture, walls and floors); wash soft furnishings (upholstered furniture and bedding); and wash affected clothing. For more information visit www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au
Stay informed
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
- VicEmergency app.
- Facebook or Twitter
- Local radio.
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.
Image courtesy Captain Phil Down, Speed CFA
