The current 'advice' for the fire I have been working on (it's lunch):
The current total fire size for the Kilmore East - Murrindindi Complex South Fire is approximately 75,744 hectares. CFA, DSE and Melbourne Water fire fighters together with crews from the Tasmanian, South Australian New South Wales, New Zealand and United States Fire Services continue to strengthen control lines today with 98 km's already achieved and a further 22km's underway.
The ongoing focus of Woori Yallock Incident Control Centre includes the protection of life, townships, key infrastructure, water catchments and areas of cultural, heritage and environmental significance. No communities within the complex are currently under threat however residents will experience varying levels of smoke and fire activity.
Maroondah: Fire activity is still present within control lines in the Mount Riddell and Mount Juliet areas east of Healesville. Controlled burning within these areas has continued overnight and firefighters are taking advantage of the cooler temperatures. Residents can expect smoke and flame activity from these fires and suppression strategies. No properties are currently under threat. Controlled burning north and east of Toolangi and west of Narbethong also continued overnight to strengthen control lines. Residents should expect smoke and flame activity in these areas however no properties are currently under threat. Crews will further patrol and black out other areas within the Maroondah Region today.
Yarra: Fire activity is still present within control lines in the O'Shannassy, Armstrong and Upper Yarra Dam catchments north east of Warburton, McMahons Creek and Reefton. No properties are under threat from these fires. Controlled burning within the O'Shannassy and Armstrong catchments has continued overnight. Fire fighters will further patrol and black out in the Upper Yarra Dam catchment in addition to a contained fire east of Big Pats Creek. Residents should continue to expect smoke and flame activity from these fires and suppression strategies.
Residents in the Yarra Valley including communities in the vicinity of Warburton, East Warburton, McMahons Creek, Reefton, Wesburn, Millgrove, Yarra Junction, Gladysdale, Powelltown, Launching Place, Don Valley, Hoddles Creek, Woori Yallock, Yellingbo, Seville, Wandin and McMahons Creek, may also be experiencing varying levels of smoke from these fires.
Core Advice
* People in the area need to remain alert as there may not be a warning should conditions change unexpectedly.
* Continue to listen to ABC or local radio for updates on this fire.
* Be prepared to activate your bushfire survival plan if necessary.
* Decide now if you are going to stay or go. Remember that it is very dangerous to leave late with a fire in the area. Road use in the area will be extremely hazardous due to low visibility from smoke. Watch out for fallen trees, power lines, abandoned cars, wildlife and emergency services vehicles.
* If you plan to stay, remember to seek shelter from radiant heat. Should the fire reach your property, close all doors and windows and stay inside the house while the fire passes. Remain alert, extinguish any small fires and if necessary, move outside to burnt ground once the fire has passed.
* Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
There's nothing currently being threatened. That could change in minutes with a wind change.
Good Core Advice. Try to breathe during your lunch. Good luck, Godspeed, and God bless.