Type Status Location Last Updated
Watch and Act - Fire - Not Safe to Return Moderate Watgania, Mafeking Yesterday at 4:51 PM
This Watch and Act message is being issued for Mafeking, Watgania. 

  • This Watch and Act message replaces the Emergency Warning issued at 9:52am, Saturday 21st December 2024.

  •  It is Not Safe to Return to Grampians National Park - Yarram Gap Road. 
  • There is a bushfire at Grampians National Park - Yarram Gap Road that is not yet under control. 
  • The bushfire is travelling from Grampians National Park in a northerly direction and has reached Lake Bellfield and the Major Mitchell Plateau. 
  • Back burning operations will be conducted today and smoke will be visible.

Relief Centres Now Open:
  •  Alexandra Oval Community Centre 1 Waratah Ave, Ararat. 
  • Grampians Community Health, known as the Shacc, 22 Patrick Street Stawell.
Recordings of Community meeting are available from the VicEmergency-Grampians Facebook
If you left Watgania and Mafeking, it is Not Safe to Return. Be aware of potential dangerous bushfire and tree hazards.
What you should do:

If you have not already left: 
  • Stay where you are and avoid dangerous bushfire and tree hazards.
  • Check you have enough food, drinking water and medications - if you do not, phone Triple Zero (000) for assistance.
If you have already left: 
  • Do not return to your home until a Safe to Return notification is issued.
  • Register at a relief centre so your friends, family and authorities can be informed that you are safe.
  • Stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.
Impacts in your area:
  • Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
  • Trees can be extremely dangerous during a bushfire or high winds. Do not stand, park or travel in areas of fire affected trees.

Road Closures: 
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.

Grampians National Park visitor information and closures:
 The Grampians National Park is closed . For further details please visit the website: Parks Victoria - Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria. 

The next update is expected by 22/12/2024 05:00 pm or as the situation changes. 

Use multiple sources to stay informed:
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.