Emergency Info

Erica, Rawson and Walhalla are in the West and South Gippsland fire district. Melbourne is in the Central Fire District and may have different restrictions or warnings, so use the information sources below to check for LOCAL updates. The West and South Gippsland Fire District includes the Baw Baw, Latrobe, South Gippsland and Wellinton Shires in CFA Regions 9, 10 and 27.

Total Fire Bans are declared by CFA on days when fires are likely to spread rapidly and be difficult to control. The penalties for lighting fires illegally during the Fire Danger Period and on Total Fire Ban Days include large fines and possible imprisonment.

For information about Total Fire Ban days and warnings which may affect this area, click here:

Fire Ban Information

Note: on Total Fire Ban Days all campfires, including fires for cooking or warmth or personal comfort, and solid or liquid fuel BBQs or ovens, are banned. 

To download the latest brochure, click here: CFA can I or can’t I brochure

LISTEN TO:

ABC Gippsland radio on 100.7 FM or 828 AM for Gippsland updates. Remember, your favourite Melbourne radio station is in a different Fire District and may not be broadcasting the LOCAL information you need.

CALL: 

000 if you might be at risk from a nearby fire.

1800 240 667 (Bushfire Information Line) for information about:

  • smoke you can see
  • to check whether a fire has already been reported
  • which days are Total Fire Ban days
  • what restrictions apply to campfires, BBQs, welding and use of machinery etc.
OTHER SOURCES:

Fire Danger Periods are declared when bush or grassland areas have reached specific flammability levels. Not all areas will have the same start and end dates. For more information: Can I or Can’t I? | CFA (Country Fire Authority)

Smoke in the air may come from bush fires a safe distance away. To check if fires may be near you, or if there seems to be new smoke in the air at your campsite, call 1800 240 667 (Bushfire Information Line). Be ready to move to a safer place.

Note: on Total Fire Ban Days all camp fires, including fires for cooking or warmth or personal comfort, and solid or liquid fuel BBQs or ovens, are banned. 

IF YOU ARE CAMPING, you MUST double-drown your campfire with WATER before you leave.  Covering with soil does NOT prevent re-ignition. There are very serious penalties, including imprisonment, for leaving a fire unattended or not properly extinguished.

CALL 000 only for real emergencies. For less urgent Police assistance, without the lights and sirens, call 131444.

If calling from a mobile, you may be asked for your location before being connected to a call centre. Our nearest large towns are Moe, Morwell and Traralgon, all about 35 km to the South of Erica and Rawson. The call-taker will connect you to the service(s) you need.

Other useful numbers

Warragul Hospital, 41 Landsborough St Warragul – 5623 0611

Latrobe Regional Hospital, 10 Village Ave, Traralgon West – 5173 8000

Rawson Community Health Centre, 1 Lehmann Ct, Rawson (8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Tue, Wed, Fri only) – 5165 3236

Health Mart Pharmacy, Murie St, Rawson. Open Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm. Call (03) 4138 8488 or email your scripts to healthmartrawson@gmail.com

Doctors (Moe After Hours Medical Service), 42 Fowler St, Moe – 1800 242 696

Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 Lifeline; – 131 114

Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636

Nurse on call – 1300 606 024

Poisons Hotline – 131 126

Police (Rawson) – 5165 3444

Police; less urgent (without Lights and Sirens) – 131444.

Crimestoppers – 1800 333 000

VicEmergency – 1800 226 226

Baw Baw Shire – 5624 2411

Power Lines and Poles (SP Ausnet) – 131 799

SES – 132 500

Bushfire Information Line – 1800 240 667

Burn-off Notification – 1800 668 511

VicRoads – 131 170

Gippsland Water – 1800 057 057