Information about the fire
The Little Desert National Park fire is not yet under control and has burnt over 90,000ha.
Challenging weather and fire conditions the last few days resulted in the Little Desert fire breaking containment lines and impacting private land.
The fire then travelled west towards Kaniva-Edenhope Road last night.
There will be a wind change late during the morning which may push the fire in a North-North Easterly direction, increasing the fire risk.
The spread of the fire has been slowed and crews continue to work on building containment line and supressing fire activity.
Fire crews will also continue to patrol the fire, blacking out hotspots and reinforcing the containment lines. Surrounding communities may continue to see smoke from this fire.
A recovery hub is open at the Dimboola Library, 101 Lloyd St Dimboola.
Emergency relief payments
Emergency relief payments are available for people impacted by the 2024-25 Victorian bushfires in the western part of the state.
You may be eligible if:
- your principal place of resident was damaged or destroyed by a bushfire and you can’t live in it, or
- your principal place of residence was in an evacuation warning area, and you evacuated your property, and
- you have unmet immediate relief needs.
Maximum payment of $2,380 per eligible family.Call the VicEmergency Hotline to apply on 1800 226 226 (press 9 for an interpreter).
Support is available to help small businesses recover from emergencies, visit Business Victoria and Regional Development Victoria websites.
Road closures
Kaniva-Edenhope Road is currently closed between Western Hwy and Natimuk-Frances Road.
Natimuk-Frances Rd is closed between Lovers Land and Ozenkadnook Rd.
Information on updated road closures is available via
13 11 70 or the VicTraffic website traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Wildlife Welfare
If you see Wildlife impacted by fire, please call the Horsham Incident Control Centre Wildlife Coordinator on 1300 356 682
This number is for local members of the community to report wildlife impacted by fire. There are wildlife welfare crews conducting assessments with vets to care for injured wildlife
Useful information
Your local council is the best place to connect to for all of your relief and recovery needs. Check their website and social media channels.
Hindmarsh Shire Council
www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au
www.facebook.com/hindmarshshirecouncil
West Wimmera Shire Council
https://www.facebook.com/westwimmerashire
Protect your health
Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 (this is a phone service that allows you to discuss any health related issue with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria).
Smoke from fires can increase air pollution in rural and urban areas, and exposure to smoke can affect you and your family's health. Scan the QR code for further information or visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bushfiresmoke
After a fire – cleaning up and water safety
After a fire: private drinking water and water tank safety
Your water source may be contaminated from debris, ash, small dead animals or aerial fire retardants. If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not drink it or give it to animals. Also, you should not source water from a creek that has been affected by bushfire as the water may be contaminated. Water drawn from deep bores or wells should continue to be safe to use.
After a fire: cleaning up a smoke affected home
If your home has been damaged by the fire or smells of smoke from bushfires you should: ventilate your home; wash hard surfaces (furniture, walls and floors); wash soft furnishings (upholstered furniture and bedding); and wash affected clothing.
For more information visit www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au or scan the QR Code.
Mental health
It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions following a distressing event. There is always help available through: Your doctor
Local mental health professionals
Lifeline - 131 114
Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
MensLine - 1300 789 978
Kid’s Help Line - 1800 55 1800
Parent Line - 13 22 89
Family Violence
There is an increased risk of family violence after an emergency. Help is available. Visit www.vic.gov.au/familyviolence or call 1800 737 732 (1800RESPECT).
Stay informed
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
- VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
- VicEmergency app.
- Facebook or Twitter
- Local radio
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.
