Residents in the path of an out-of-control bushfire have been told they are in immediate danger and it’s too late to leave, while those under threat by a second raging blaze are urged to flee while there’s still time.
An emergency warning to take shelter has been issued for Dimboola and Wail in Victoria’s northwest, with a fire at Little Desert national park not yet under control and heading east.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” the VicEmergency website states.
“The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.”
A second out-of-control fire is burning at Strachans, Victoria Point and Victoria Valley in Grampians national park in the state’s west, an area popular with holidaymakers.
As of 7am on Monday, anyone in affected areas was told they still had time to evacuate.
“Leaving immediately is the safest option before conditions become too dangerous,” the emergency authority said.
“Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay”.
People in the path of fires have been told to take medications and pets, while those travelling in the area are urged to turn on their headlights to help navigate through smoke.
The blaze flared over the long weekend as temperatures reached the high 40s, followed by a cool change and gusty winds.