What you need to know about the East Gippsland bushfires

Out-of-control bushfires are ravaging East Gippsland, with thousands of Victorian displaced as firefighters work to contain multiple out-of-control blazes. This is what you need to know.

Follow rolling news updates in the Gippsland fire emergency here.

All up-to-date information can be found at VicEmergency here.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Fires have ripped through more than 200,000 hectares in Victoria’s East Gippsland, it was estimated early Tuesday morning, after growing rapidly amid winds and lightning strikes overnight

WARNINGS

Seven emergency warnings, the highest alert, remain in place across East Gippsland, with another in place for a fire straddling the northeast Victoria-NSW border at Corryong/Walwa.

More broadly, 30,000 locals and holiday makers were on Sunday advised to leave East Gippsland ahead of Monday’s conditions.

A chopper fights the fire outside Bruthen, with Gippsland on the highest alert as multiple fires burn in the area. Picture: David Crosling

The coastal holiday town of Mallacoota is among those under direct threat, with about 4000 people believed to still be in the area being told to go into the water.

THE FALLOUT SO FAR

Properties have been lost in Victoria’s east, but authorities say it’s too soon to confirm how many or their locations. Thousands of properties have lost power, with AusNet Services reporting electricity has gone out at 5700 properties in East Gippsland and another 1800 in northeast Victoria. Optus says its mobile customers may be experiencing disruptions in Tambo Crossing, Mallacoota, Cann River, Tonghi Creek, Mt Raymond, Marlo, Orbost, Waygarra and Mt Nowa Nowa

WEATHER

A cool change swept through East Gippsland after extreme heat on Monday, but windy conditions remain, further fuelling the fires and spreading ash. Premier Daniel Andrews will join emergency services authorities to provide an update on the situation at 11am today.

Tweets by vicemergency

WHAT WERE THE COOL CHANGE CONDITIONS LIKE?

• Strongest winds were 60-80kmh through most of east Gippsland overnight

• Winds have currently eased to about 30-40kmh

• 100kmh gusts recorded about 7.45am

WHAT TO DO

LAST RESORT OPTIONS

• Shelter in the middle of a large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve

• Get into a large body of water like a dam, lake, river, the ocean or inground pool, although you may be exposed to extreme conditions including high winds, fire noise, exposure to flying embers and intense smoke

• Try to protect yourself from the fire’s heat

Fire and emergency services just south of the small Gippsland town of Bruthen. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

IF YOU’RE INDOORS

• Close all exterior doors, windows and vents. Turn off cooling systems

• You must take shelter before the fire arrives. The extreme heat is likely to kill you well before the flames reach you

• Shelter in a room that has two exits, such as a door or window including one directly to the outside. It is important to be able to see outside so you know what is happening with the fire

• If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt

RELIEF CENTRES

Bairnsdale: Bairnsdale Football Pavilion, 40 Macarthur St

Delegate (NSW): Delegate Golf Club, 3074 Delegate Rd

Lakes Entrance: Mechanics Hall, 18 Mechanics St

Omeo: Park St

Orbost: Orbost Community Sports Centre, 40 Arnold St

— Information via VicEmergency

Originally published as What you need to know about the East Gippsland bushfires