Sunday, 8.45pm:
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An out of control bushfire at Wingan River has increased rapidly in size and has already burnt approximately 1200ha
The fire is approximately 20km east of Cann River.
The bushfire is travelling in a southerly direction towards the coast.
The Princes Highway has been re-opened. However, all roads into the fire area are closed including the West Wingan Road. Avoid the area if you can to allow free access to all emergency vehicles.
Campers have been evacuated from Wingan Inlet camp ground and other camp grounds within Croajingolong National Park.
Hikers are being evacuated from the Croajingolong National Park Wilderness Coast Walk.
Leaving now is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous
- Scroll down for additional safety advice and contacts
UPDATE, Sunday 5.10pm: The Princes Hwy is closed between Monaro Hwy and Mallacoota-Genoa Rd due to bushfire. Avoid the area.
EARLIER: The outbreak of a bushfire at Wingan River has resulted in an Emergency warning being issued for that community Sunday afternoon.
The same fire is on Watch and Act for Genoa, Gipsy Point, Karbethong, Mallacoota, Maramingo Creek, and Wangarabell.
The out of control bushfire is at Wingan River in East Gippsland just south of the Princes Hwy, approximately 28km east of Cann River.
The bushfire is travelling in a north-westerly direction towards the Princes Highway.
Firefighters and aircraft are responding to the fire.
Leaving now is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
Emergency Services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
However, if you are in Mallacoota, stay there. Official advice from Forest Fire Management Victoria is it is too late to leave. Staying in Mallacoota is your safest option.
There is also a separate Watch and Act alert for East Gippsland communities including Bonang and Goongerah further west, with residents right across the north-east Victorian shire told to leave now if they can. Visitors are being urged to leave the area before Monday's expected challenging weather.
What you should do:
You should leave using West Wingan Road and head towards Cann River.
The home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
When you leave remember to take your pets, mobile phone and medications.
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.
If you are unable to leave you should 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 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 and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.
If you cannot get indoors, other 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 caught in fire in your car:
Park 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 being carried by the wind large distances ahead of the main fire and starting spot fires.
Bushfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the fire reaches you.
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
Health information:
If you need medical advice for burns or exposure to smoke, seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000).
If you can see or smell smoke, please note:
Smoke can affect people's health.
People with pre-existing health problems, heart or lung conditions (including asthma), children, pregnant women and older people are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
People with existing heart or lung conditions (including asthma) should follow the treatment plan advised by the doctor.
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
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.