Residents have been told to take shelter in the event conditions suddenly change as an out-of-control grass fire burns in Victoria’s north.
The Country Fire Authority issued a watch and act message on Wednesday afternoon over the fire burning near the small town of Colbinabbin, about 50 kilometres east of Bendigo.
"Staying close to a building you can shelter in is the safest option as conditions can change suddenly," the CFA warned residents.
The warning applies to Burramboot, Colbinabbin, Corop, Lake Cooper, Colbinabbin West and Carag Carag, with the fire currently travelling north towards Lake Cooper and Corop.
Locals have been told to stay informed and monitor conditions, but have not yet been asked to evacuate.
If the situation changes, the CFA says, residents have been told they will need to leave quickly.
The CFA recommends that residents have plans in place to take their pets, medications, mobile phones and chargers, and to travel to the home of family or friends away from the warning area if conditions change.
"Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay," the warning said.
The CFA told locals to monitor changes in the situation, including increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility.
"If you are away from home, do not return," the warning said. "If you're in a car and become caught in a grass fire, don't get out and run."
A grass fire in Victoria's far north-west, near the Murray River, was brought under control on Sunday after forcing the evacuation of campers and burning more than 17 hectares.
The fire was burning seven kilometres south-west of Robinvale, 90 kilometres south-east of Mildura.
Police said a 63-year-old Robinvale man is likely to be charged in relation to the Mildura blaze after a campfire spread to nearby vegetation and destroyed a small shed.
More to come.
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