Type Status Location Last Updated
Emergency Warning - Fire Extreme Goongerah and south west of Bonang 31/12/2019
This Emergency Warning is being issued for Goongerah and south west of Bonang.

  • The bushfire west of Goongerah and south west of Bonang is not yet under control.
  • There are reports of active fire in multiple locations in the Goongerah Valley.
  • Fire activity is erratic and unpredictable.This fire is threatening homes and lives.
  • Reports of ember attack have been reported in the township of Goongerah.
  • The  south westerly wind change not expected until 1am tomorrow 31/12/19 which will push the fire in a north north easterly direction.
  • Spot fires have impacted Aberdeen Road and Mount Jersey Intersection. 
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.
The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately.
It is too late to leave.
You should move indoors: 
  • Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from pure cotton or wool. Wear leather boots.  
  • Bring your pets inside.  Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and 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.  
  • It may still be too hot to remain outside, so you’ll need to seek shelter in another structure or last resort option. 

If you cannot get indoors, 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 inground pool.
  • Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.

If you are travelling: 
  • If you are travelling, do not enter the area, U-turn 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: 
  • The Bonang Road is closed.
  • A severe thunder storm warning has been issued for East Gippsland for damaging and locally destructive winds.
  • Fire initiated thunderstorms over Gippsland are driving erratic gusty conditions.
  • Bonang Road is closed between Orbost and Bonang. 
  • Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 31/12/2019 07:50 am 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.