Type Status Location Last Updated
Emergency Warning - Fire - Shelter Indoors Now Extreme Gnarwarre, Mount Moriac 22/02/2025
This Emergency Warning is being issued for Gnarwarre, Mount Moriac.

  • There is a grassfire at Winchelsea that is not yet under control.
  • The grassfire is travelling in a easterly direction towards Hendy Main Road.
  • A wind change is expected around 8pm, which will cause the fire to change directions towards Gnarwarre. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
  • This message is for you if you are in the Gnarwarre area.
  • Firefighters have been unable to stop the fire. It has crossed Barabool Road and is moving towards Hendy main road.
  • If you have not already left, the time to safely evacuate has now passed. Take shelter indoors immediately. It is now too dangerous to leave.
You are in danger, act now to protect yourself. It is too late to leave. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately.
Do not get in the car and drive. It is safer to stay where you are.
What you should do:

Quickly move indoors: 
  • Bring your pets indoors. 
  • Close all exterior doors, windows and vents. 
  • 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.
If you cannot get indoors, last resort options include: 
  • Shelter in the middle of a large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve. 
  • Get into 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 warning 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 pure woollen blanket.
Impacts in your area: 
  • The following roads are closed: Buckley North road, Barabool Road and Hendy Main Road.
  • Grassfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
  • You may not be able to use a mobile phone to call Triple Zero (000) and to access information on the internet. You can listen to warning information on a battery-operated radio. 
  • Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.

The next update is expected by 22/02/2025 10:50 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.