A BUSHFIRE burning south of Boinka since Thursday evening has had its watch and act warning upgraded to “prepare to leave”.
The blaze which reached 60 hectares in size in the mid-afternoon, was expected to be affected by a wind change at about 4pm.
People in Baring, Boinka, Linga, Patchewollock, Torrita, Underbool, Walpeup, and Big Desert were “strongly recommended you prepare to leave.”
A relief centre was set to be established at Blackburn Park, on Farrell Street at Ouyen for people to take shelter.
A statement from Emergency Victoria said people evacuating should look to take 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.
The fire at Big Desert, 10 kilometres south of Boinka, began on Thursday evening and was placed under the control of Forest Fire Management Victoria with support from Country Fire Authority units from Murrayville, Cowangie, and Underbool.
The fire initially ran through paddocks along the side of Morrison Road before making its way to public land toward Wyperfeld National Park in a south-easterly direction.
The expected wind change was predicted to drive the fire north-east towards private property along Worooa Road and back out of Wyperfeld.
Updates on fires across the state can be found via the Emergency Victoria website and smart phone app as well as via emergency broadcasters ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, and/ or Sky News TV.
Saturday 10 January is a day of total fire ban in all regions of Victoria, including the Mallee with the fire danger rating in the Mallee listed as high.
