Type Status Location Last Updated
Watch and Act - Fire - Leave Now Moderate Barrabool, Gnarwarre, Mount Moriac 22/02/2025
This Watch & Act message is being issued for Barrabool, Gnarwarre, Mount Moriac.

  • There is a grassfire at Winchelsea that is not yet under control 
  • This grassfire is travelling from Barabool Road in a north-easterly direction towards Gnawarre.
  • A wind change is expected around 9pm, which will cause the fire to change directions towards Gnarwarre. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
  • Firefighters have been unable to stop the fire. It has crossed Barabool Road and is moving towards Hendy Main road.
  • This grassfire could impact Hendy Main road and Gnawarre any time between 8pm and 9pm.
Don't wait - If you are not prepared to stay, leaving now is the safest option. Conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
What you should do:

The best protection from radiant heat and smoke is distance.

Travel to:
  • The home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
  • When you leave, remember to take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
  • If you encounter smoke or flames whilst travelling, turn around and drive to safety. If you're unable to turn around and drive to safety, a car offers more protection from the fire’s heat than being caught on foot in the open.
  • If you are away from home do not return.
  • A relief centre is open at Winchelsea.
In the car: 
  • If you are travelling, do not enter the area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety. 
  • Slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.

If you choose to stay, seek shelter indoors: 
  • Bring your pets indoors.
  • Close all exterior doors, windows and vents.
  • Turn off cooling systems.
  • Shelter in a room that has a door and or a window to the outside so you can keep an eye on what is happening with the fire.
Impacts in your area:
  • The following roads are closed: Buckley Nth Road, Barabool Road, Hendy Main Road and Gnarwarre/ Barabool Road.
  • Grassfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
  • Grassfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the flames reach you.
  • 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 11:00 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.