8.48PM: Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
The emergency warning has been changed to a watch and act for St Helier, The Gurdies and Woodleigh.
Those near The Gurdies, St Helier and Woodleigh please ensure you use multiple sources to stay up to date with the latest information particularly overnight and into this evening.
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226
- VicEmergency app
- Facebook or Twitter (#VicFires)
- ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
7.54PM: This bushfire has now impacted and crossed Gurdies-St. Helier Road between Woodland Close and Bergmeier Road.
A relief centre is open from 7pm, December 20, 2024 at the Wonthaggi Aquatic and Leisure Centre (YMCA), 41 Wentworth Road, Wonthaggi.
Latest from VicEmergency:
- There is a bushfire at Woodland Close, The Gurdies that is not yet under control.
- This bushfire has travelled from The Gurdies Nature Conservation Reserve (NCR) in a easterly direction towards Gurdies St Helier Road and Stewart Road.
- The bushfire in the Woodlands area has increased in fire spread on the northern and eastern sides due to the south westerly wind change
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
- This bushfire has now impacted and crossed The Gurdies St. Helier Road between Woodland Close and Bergmeier Road.
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.
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6.15PM: The emergency warning for St Helier, The Gurdies, Woodleigh has been extended to include Loch.
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5PM UPDATE: A GUSTY south westerly wind change hit the fire front at 4.55pm producing an instant impact on the fire front. The fire gained noticeably in intensity and a huge plume of black, brown, and white smoke lept hundreds of metres into the sky.
Two helicopter firebombers and a fixed-wing fire bomber are working the fire grounds, with ground crews tasked to meet the fire front when it breaks out onto fire grounds to the east of the fire front.
It’s a crucial stage in The Gurdies fire that took a turn around 3pm this afternoon.
The Bass Highway southbound is down to one lane with drivers urged to avoid the area if possible. Gurdies-St Helier Road is closed to traffic from Bass Highway.
DETAILS FROM VICEMERGENCY:
This Emergency Warning is being issued for St Helier, The Gurdies, Woodleigh.
- There is a bushfire at Woodland Close , The Gurdies that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Sand Supplies in a easterly direction towards Gurdies St Helier Road and Stewart Road.
- The fire in the Woodlands area has increased in fire spread on the eastern side
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
- This bushfire could impact The Gurdies St. Helier Road between Woodland Close and Stewart Road and Stewart Road from Gurdies St. Helier Road to Dunbabbin Road and Bergmeier Road any time between 3pm and 5pm.
- The Grantville Transaction Centre at 1504 - 1510 Bass Highway, Grantville is open for those seeking information or assistance.
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.
What you should do:
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:
- Move away from the rooms that are on fire, closing doors behind you.
- As soon as the bushfire has passed the house, or conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt. Staying inside a burning building will almost certainly end in death.
- It may still be too hot to remain outside, so you will need to seek shelter in another structure or last resort option.
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 inground pool.
- Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
If you are travelling:
- If you are travelling, do not enter the warning area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety.
- If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.
If you are caught in fire in your car:
- Park off the road 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:
- Embers are starting small fires ahead of the main fire.
- 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 20/12/2024 06:00 pm or as the situation changes.
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
- VicEmergency app
- Facebook or Twitter (#vicfires).
- Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
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.
