Australia: Emergency crews responding to bushfire near Dereel in Victoria as of late Feb. 28

Emergency crews are working to contain a bushfire burning near Dereel in Victoria as of late Feb. 28. The grass fire broke out near Kleins Road and is moving uncontrolled in an easterly direction towards Mount Mercer as of late Feb. 28. An emergency warning has been issued for Dereel, Cordinhap, and Rokewood Junction; residents in the warning area have been advised to shelter indoors as it is too late to leave. A watch and act warning has been issued for the surrounding areas advising residents to leave while it is safe to do so. Relief centers for evacuated residents have been established at Selkirk Stadium, 989 Norman Street, Wendouree, and at Bannockburn Cultural Centre, 27 High Street, Bannockburn. The Colac-Ballarat Road has been closed in the vicinity of the fire. Authorities could issue new warnings or upgrade/rescind existing warnings as the fire develops over the coming hours and days; the latest information regarding warnings and advice can be found here.

The bushfire may continue to cause some road closures and localized transport disruptions in the affected area. Depending on the progression of the bushfire, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the bushfire complex and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region. Power outages are possible if fires damage power infrastructure. Authorities may cut off power to parts of the affected area to aid firefighting efforts.

Smoke from fires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).