Type Status Location Last Updated
Emergency Warning - Fire - Evacuate Immediately Extreme Willaura Last Tuesday at 1:38 PM
This Emergency Warning to Evacuate Immediately is being issued for Willaura Township.  

  • It is strongly recommended that you evacuate immediately. 
  • There is a grassfire at Willaura that is not yet under control. 
  • The grassfire is travelling from Mount Lubra in a south-easterly direction towards Wallaura. 
  • This grassfire could impact people north of Willaura and the Willaura Township any time between 1:30pm and 4:00pm.
If you are located in Willaura and surrounding area, it is strongly recommended you evacuate immediately and move to a safer location away from the fire.
What you should do: 
This Emergency Warning is current until 18 January, 4pm. Evacuation after this time is considered life threatening. 

After 18 January, 4pm it may be too late to leave. Take shelter when the fire arrives to protect yourself from the radiant heat. 

Evacuate immediately: 
  • When you leave remember to take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger. 
  • If you are away from home, do not return. 
  • If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you. 

Travel to a safer location. Options include: 
  • A relief centre is open at Ararat Town Hall. 
  • The home of family or friends away from the warning area. 

If you evacuate to a family member or friend’s house, you should register with [online (if activated) / at an evacuation centre] to help others find you. 

If you are located in Willaura, you should leave using Delacombe Road then Mortlake Ararat Road and travel to Through Rossbridge and towards Ararat. 

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 are unable to leave shelter indoors: 
  • Close all exterior doors, windows and vents. 
  • Turn off cooling systems. 
  • Shelter in a room that has two exits, such as a door or a window, including one directly to the outside.  It is critical to keep an eye on what is happening with the fire.
Impacts in your area: 
  • The following roads are closed: 
  • Grampians Road between Halls Gap and Dunkeld 
  • Manorah-Glentompson Road
  • Moys- Dunkeld Road
  • Yarram Gap Road
  • Be aware of any road closures when you leave.
  • Grassfires can generate extreme heat. Staying near shelter is the safest option.
  • 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 4:00pm 15 Januray 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.