UPDATE | ‘Leave immediately’ and ‘watch and act’ warnings issued for towns in Moira Shire
As of 5.25pm there will no longer be live updates on this blog: For the most up to date information please visit emergency.vic.gov.au.
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Welcome to the Cobram Courier’s live blog on January 9, a day of Catastrophic Fire Danger.
We’ll keep you updated throughout the day on the extreme heat, fires and other relevant information.
Stay informed by using the VicEmergency app, online at emergency.vic.gov.au or on the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226, or tune in to ABC local radio.
UPDATE 5.16pm, Friday January 9:
If you are located in Katamatite prepare to evacuate immediately and leave as soon as you are ready.
The grassfire is now travelling from Muckatah in a south-easterly direction towards Katamatite.
If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you, firefighters have been unable to stop the fire.
What you should do:
How to evacuate:
You should pack:
- Cash
- Clothing for three days
- Medicine for three days
- Phone and chargers
- Toiletries
- Important documents
- Mementos and photos
- Pets essentials, including leash and carriers.
If possible, make sure your neighbours are aware of the situation and check if they need help.
When you are ready, you should leave immediately. Don’t wait to be told when to leave.
Where to go:
- You can go to friends or family in a safer location.
- There is a relief centre open in Shepparton at the Showgrounds located on High Street from 6:30pm.
Impacts in your area:
- The Benalla - Tocumwal Road is closed between the Murray Valley Highway at Yarroweyah & Katamatite.
- Before you leave check the VicTraffic website or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
- Grassfires can start and spread quickly, and are extremely dangerous.
UPDATE 4.58pm, Friday January 9:
There is currently a power outage in Cobram, Muckatah and Yarroweyah.
It is currently under investigation with the expected restoration time 9pm.
An estimated 1,154 people are affected by the power outage in Cobram and an estimated 3,777 are affected in Yarroweyah.
UPDATE 4.32pm, Friday, January 9:
Emergency warning: Residents of Katamatite, Katunga, Muckatah, Naring, Yarroweyah and Yarroweyah South must leave immediately.
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
The grassfire is travelling from the Murray Valley Hwy in a south-easterly direction towards Muckatah and is not yet under control.
A relief centre is open at Apex Park, 43 Campbell Rd, Cobram.
UPDATE 3.50pm, Friday January 9:
A ‘watch and act’ message has been issued for Cobram East, Katamatite, Katamatite East and Muckatah.
It is strongly recommended you prepare to leave, there is a grassfire at Yarroweyah that is not yet under control.
The grassfire is travelling from Yarroweyah in a south-easterly direction towards Muckatah and has now crossed Benalla-Tocumwal Rd.
Prepare to leave immediately. Leave as soon as you are ready, as roads will become busy as people leave.
What you should do:
- Monitor the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can mean the situation is worsening.
- Protect yourself and your family.
- If you are not prepared, leave now. Don’t wait until it is too late - leave early.
- If you are away from home, do not return.
If you are leaving, pack:
- Cash
- Clothing for three days
- Medicine for three days
- Phone and chargers
- Toiletries
- Important documents
- Meaningful items and photos
- Pet essentials, including leash and carriers.
Where to go:
- A relief centre is open at Apex Park, 43 Campbell Road, Cobram.
- Friends or family away from the fire.
- Consider roads may become busy closer to the time of impact.
- Be aware of potential road closures.
UPDATE 2:35pm, Friday January 9:
A ‘leave immediately’ warning has been issued for Katamatite, Katunga, Muckatah, Naring, Yarroweyah, Yarroweyah South.
There is a grassfire travelling from the Murray Valley Hwy in a south-easterly direction towards Muckatah that is not yet under control.
People in the identified area should leave immediately, this Emergency Warning replaces the previous ‘Watch and Act’ issued.
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous, Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
What you should do:
- When you leave take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
- Go to the home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
- People south of Muckatah should travel towards Katamatite/Shepparton.
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, 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.
UPDATE 1.50pm, Friday January 9:
Muckatah, Katamatite, Katunga and Naring have been added to the watch and act area.
1.30pm, Friday January 9:
A ‘watch and act, stay near shelter’ message has been issued for Cobram and Yarroweyah.
There is a grassfire at Yarroweyah that is not yet under control.
The grassfire is travelling in a south-easterly direction from the Murray Valley Hwy along Benalla-Tocumwal Rd towards Macarther Rd.
People are urged to stay close to a building where they can shelter. This is the safest option, as conditions can change suddenly.
Residents are warned not to return home if they are out.
Grassfires can start and spread quickly, and are extremely dangerous.
If the situation changes you will need to leave quickly:
- Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
Residents are urged to monitor changes, including increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility that indicates the situation is changing.
Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
Updates to come.