UPDATE 3PM:
A Watch and Act warning message has been downgraded after fire crews brought a large grassfire at Ultima East under control this afternoon.
The Advice message has been issued for the nearby townships of Beauchamp, Goschen, Kunat, Lalbert, Lalbert Road, Meatian, Murnungin, Myall, Tittybong, Ultima, Ultima East and Wangie.
The fire started early Wednesday morning at Lake Boga-Ultima Road, Ultima East, destroying more than 1000 hectares.
Vic Emergency said there is currently no threat to communities, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
Smoke remains visible while dust has also caused visibility problems.
Road blocks remain in place south along Donald-Swan Hill Road from Lake Boga-Ultima Roads. West along Lake Boga-Ultima Road from Donald-Swan Hill Road. Two Mile Road and Tee Road closed between Dog Netting Road and Meatian North Road at Lalbert and Lake Boga-Ultima intersection.
Check the VicRoads website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au) for road closures.
UPDATE 12.45PM:
A Watch and Act message has extended to townships to the south and south-east of Ultima East.
The alert is for Bael Bael, Beauchamp, Budgerum, Budgerum East, Cannie, Cokum, Dingwall, Fairley, Goschen, Kalpienung, Korrak Korrak, Kunat, Lake Charm, Lalbert, Lalbert Road, Meatian, Murnungin, Myall, Mystic Park, Normanville, Pine View, Quambatook, Sandhill Lake, Tittybong, Towaninny, Tresco West, Ultima, Ultima East, Wandella, Wangie.
EARLIER:
FIRE crews are battling to bring a large grassfire east of Ultima under control with strong winds fanning flames.
Twenty appliances were called to the 1044-hectare blaze that started on Lake Boga-Ultima Road, 9km east of Ultima, shortly before 5am.
A Watch and Act message was issued by the CFA for Goschen, Meatian, Ultima, Ultima East.
“This grassfire is travelling in a south-easterly direction towards Lalbert district,” the alert said.
“Don’t wait, leaving now is the safest option – conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency Services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.”
Two Mile Road and Tee Road are closed between Dog Netting Road and Meatian North Road.
The fire may impact on Swan Hill-Donald Road.
It came as Swan Hill sweltered through tropical conditions overnight. The mercury didn’t drop below 28 degrees.
More to come.
