Type Status Location Last Updated
Emergency Warning - Fire - Leave Immediately Extreme Kia Ora, Maroona, Willaura, Willaura North 05/05/2026
This Emergency Warning message is being issued for Kia Ora, Maroona, Willaura, Willaura North. 
  • There is a grassfire is travelling from Mafeking in a south-easterly direction towards Willaura that is not yet under control. 
  • People at the area North of Willaura should leave immediately.
Willaura could be impacted anytime up to 04:00 PM. Leaving now is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.

The township of Willaura must be evacuated by 04:00 PM.
What you should do: 
  • When you leave take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger. 

Travel to: 
  • Relief centre located at Ararat 
  • The home of family or friends that is away from the warning area. 

In the car: 
  • If you are travelling, do not enter the area. U-turn to safety. 
  • Slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see. 
  • Be aware of any road closures when you leave.

Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay. 

If you are unable to leave, seek shelter 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 harm 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.
Impacts in your area: 
  • The following roads are closed: Maroona-Glenthompson Rd, Moysten - Dunkeld Rd, Grampians Rd between Halls Gap and Dunkeld and Yarram Gap Rd. 
  • 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 05/05/2026 04:00 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.