Type Status Location Last Updated
Emergency Warning - Fire Extreme Merriang, Donnybrook, Beveridge 20/12/2019
This Emergency Warning is being issued for Beveridge, Merriang, Donnybrook.

  • There is a grassfire at Smith Street that is out of control.
  • The grassfire is travelling in a southerly direction towards Melbourne. 
  • The wind has now changed direction and the fire is headed towards Romsey
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

When indoors:
  • Bring your pets indoors.
  • Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and turn off cooling systems.
  • Shelter in a room that has a door and or a window to the outside so you can see what is happening with the fire.

If you cannot get indoors, other last resort options include:
  • A large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve. 
  • 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 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: 
  • Grassfires can generate enormous amounts of radiant heat.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.

The next update is expected by 20/12/2019 11:20 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 000.
Smoke information: 
  • 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.
Stay informed: 
  • Via www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
  • Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV. 
  • Call the VicEmergency Hotline to talk to someone about this warning on freecall 1800 226 226.
  • People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
  • For help with English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VicEmergency Hotline. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.
  • Download the VicEmergency App or follow VicEmergency on Twitter (#VicFires) or Facebook.