Welcome to The Seymour Telegraph’s live blog on January 9, a day of Catastrophic Fire Danger.
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We’ll keep you updated throughout the day on the extreme heat, fires and other relevant information.
Stay informed by using the VicEmergency app, online at emergency.vic.gov.au or on the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226, or tune in to ABC local radio.
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UPDATE: 5.14pm, Sunday, January 11
Victoria Police has confirmed human remains have been found in the Longwood bushfire area.
Police were able to access a fire-affected stretch off Yarck Rd at Gobur on the afternoon of Sunday, January 11.
The remains were found around 100m from a vehicle.
The person is yet to be formally identified.
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.
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UPDATE: 2.30pm, Sunday, January 11
Emergency warnings have eased in parts of Central Victoria as firefighters continue to battle the Longwood bushfire.
There is currently no threat to residents of Avenel, Locksley, Mangalore, Monea and Tabilk; however, the community is urged to stay informed and monitor conditions if the situation changes.
There is a Watch and Act warning advising residents of Yea, Tallarook, Trawool and the western side of Whiteheads Creek to remain vigilant and assess changes to the situation, as it can change at any time.
A Take Shelter Now emergency warning remains in place fir Caveat, Creightons Creek Dropmore, Gobur, Fooram, Highlands, Kanumbra, Kelvin View, Longwood East, Merton, Old Longwood, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Terip Terip, Upton Hill and the eastern side of Whiteheads Creek.
Evacuees are still welcomed to seek refuge at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre on Pollard St.
Find the latest updates on VicEmergency by visiting emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
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UPDATE: 12.57pm
With cooler temperatures on Saturday, January 10, seven of the 14 warning areas on the edge of the Longwood Fire have been scaled back.
However, the fire is still burning and emergency services are working around the clock to save lives and protect property.
People living, or working, near the fire are still being urged to remain vigilant and keep up to date with current warnings via the VicEmergency app or website.
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UPDATE: 10.49am
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced that relief payments is available for those affected by the current bushfires.
Financial relief is available through the Personal Hardship Assistance Program, with payments helping to cover the cost of essentials such as food, clothing, medication and accommodation.
For more information, visit the Vic Emergency website or one of the relief centres.
Current relief centres:
Seymour Sports and Aquatics Centre (Chittick Park), Pollard St, Seymour (small pets welcome).
The relief centre at Mansfield Youth Centre has relocated to Mansfield Sporting Complex, 35 Highett St, Mansfield, Victoria.
Tallangatta Memorial Hall, 30 Towong St, Tallangatta (pets are not allowed).
Upper Murray Event Centre at the Corryong Football Oval, Strzelecki Way, Corryong (household pets with owner welcome).
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UPDATE: 10.30am
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has declared a State of Disaster in 18 fire affected local government areas, including Mitchell Shire and Strathbogie Shire.
Ms Allan released this statement overnight:
Tonight, following advice from the Minister for Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Commissioner, I declared a State of Disaster in 18 fire-affected local government areas and one alpine resort.
This declaration gives our authorities extra powers to confront an emergency of extraordinary scale and danger. Tonight, we have reached that level of danger.
This does not change specific advice currently in place for anyone in fire-affected areas.
But it sends a clear message to those who have been advised to leave: if you can, you must.
The declaration allows authorities to order evacuations, control movement through dangerous areas, and act as decisively as possible.
It ensures that every part of government – every department, every agency, every authority – is focused on one priority: protecting life.
It also means that if someone insists on staying in an area where their life is in danger, authorities have the power to force them to leave.
These fires are widespread, fast-moving and devastating.
Taking this step is about one thing: protecting Victorian lives.
And it sends one clear message: if you have been told to leave – go.
The State of Disaster is declared for the following local government areas and alpine resorts:
- Alpine Shire
- Ararat Rural City
- Colac Otway Shire
- Corangamite Shire
- East Gippsland Shire
- Golden Plains Shire
- Greater Bendigo City
- Horsham Rural City
- Lake Mountain Alpine Resort (Unincorporated)
- Mansfield Shire
- Mildura Rural City
- Mitchell Shire
- Moira Shire
- Mount Alexander Shire
- Murrindindi Shire
- Pyrenees Shire
- Strathbogie Shire
- Towong Shire
- Wellington Shire
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UPDATE: 9.19am, January 10
While temperatures have cooled overnight, the wind is still blowing and all 14 warnings are still in place around the Longwood fire.
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UPDATE: 9.15am, January 10
The white and red Salvation Army van was a welcoming symbol to evacuees seeking refuge at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre on Friday, January 9.
During a day of catastrophic fire danger, it was the hard-working volunteers on the scene, in 40°C heat, that ensured displaced residents remained safe, healthy, and fed.
Lauren Kirkham, the officer in charge at the Seymour Australian Army Corps, led the dedicated team of volunteers at the community relief centre.
Ms Kirkham said, by 12.30pm on Friday, January 9, the van had been catering for about 40 to 60 people.
“We’ve seen a slight increase since the morning, of people coming in from Yea and those parts,” she said.
Throughout the day, the team offered evacuees food and drink, ensuring that those who sought refuge at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre were satiated.
“We’re doing food relief for those that have been displaced and for emergency personnel as well,” Ms Kirkham said.
“We’ve also got another team that are working with the firefighters off site.”
The van on Friday had Seymour volunteers Robert Hanson and Simone Hopkins, as well as Alison Inglis, who had travelled from Melbourne to offer support.
They had a surprise visit by the local KFC on the day, with the popular fast food venue donating lunch for those on site.
Ms Kirkham, who lives locally, said that while her thoughts were with community members and friends who were impacted by the blaze, she remained steadfast in her job due to her passion for helping those in need.
“We do it because we feel compelled to help,” she said.
“It’s great to be able to give back in times like this when we can’t be out fighting the fires, so what can we do?
“A lot of people have been coming in and saying, ‘can I volunteer? Can I donate something?’ So, people just want to be able to help.”
To stay informed, visit the VicEmergency website at emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
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UPDATE: 8.44pm
GV Water requests limiting water use
With some Seymour residents taking to social media to say they have lost water pressure, GV Water has put out the following statement.
- Seymour: Fire situation and power outages have depleted treated water storage volumes. All residents who have water supply, please limit water use to essential needs.
For more information, visit http://www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/service-interruptions/emergencies-and-natural-disasters/
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UPDATE: 7.25pm
A Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning is being issued for Acheron, Devils River, Eildon, Taylor Bay and Thornton.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a south-easterly direction towards Eildon.
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
A wind change is expected around 8:00pm tonight (Friday 9 January). This will cause the fire to change direction to the north-east, heading back towards Strathbogie.
Conditions will become very dangerous and unpredictable.
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.
The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.
What you should do
Move indoors:
- Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from pure cotton or wool. Wear leather boots.
- Bring your pets inside.
- Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and 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:
- Move away from the rooms that are on fire, closing doors behind you.
- As soon as the bushfire has passed the house, or conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt. Staying inside a burning building will almost certainly end in death.
- It may still be too hot to remain outside, so you will need to seek shelter in another structure or last resort option.
If you cannot get indoors, last resort options include:
- 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.
- Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
If you are travelling:
- If you are travelling, do not enter the warning area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety.
- If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.
If you are caught in fire in your car:
- Park off the road behind a solid structure to block the fire's heat or pull over to cleared area.
- Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
- Turn on your hazard lights and headlights.
- Close all windows.
- Turn off the air-conditioning and shut all the air vents.
- Turn your car engine off.
- Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a pure woollen blanket.
The following roads are closed:
- Maroondah Hwy between Yea and Maindample
- Maroondah Hwy and Devon Rd
- Maroondah Hwy between McKenzie Ave, Healesville to Anderson Ln, Narbethong
- Merton Euroa Rd closed through to the Hume Fwy
- McMenaman Rd and Maroondah Hwy
- Kobyboyn Rd and Highlands Rd
- Ghin Ghin Rd and Goulburn Valley Hwy
- Faithfull Rd at Hume Fwy
- Goulburn Valley Hwy and Whatton Pl
- Tarcombe Rd at Hume Freeway
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UPDATE: 7.25pm
There is a Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning is being issued for Caveat, Creightons Creek, Dropmore, Gobur, Gooram, Highlands, Kanumbra, Kelvin View, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Ruffy, Strathbogie, Tarcombe, Terip Terip and Upton Hill.
- The Longwood fireis not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling in a south-easterly direction but conditions are dynamic.
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
A wind change is imminent
This will cause the fire to change direction to the north east heading back towards Strathbogie. Conditions will become very dangerous and unpredictable!
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.
The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.
What you should do now
Move indoors:
- Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from pure cotton or wool. Wear leather boots.
- Bring your pets inside.
- Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and 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:
- Move away from the rooms that are on fire, closing doors behind you.
- As soon as the bushfire has passed the house, or conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt. Staying inside a burning building will almost certainly end in death.
- It may still be too hot to remain outside, so you will need to seek shelter in another structure or last resort option.
If you cannot get indoors, last resort options include:
- 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.
- Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
If you are travelling:
- If you are travelling, do not enter the warning area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety.
- If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.
If you are caught in fire in your car:
- Park off the road behind a solid structure to block the fire's heat or pull over to cleared area.
- Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
- Turn on your hazard lights and headlights.
- Close all windows.
- Turn off the air-conditioning and shut all the air vents.
- Turn your car engine off.
- Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a pure woollen blanket.
The following roads are closed:
- Merton Euroa Rd closed through to the Hume Fwy
- McMenaman Rd and Maroondah Hwy
- Kobyboyn Rd and Highlands Rd
- Ghin Ghin Rd and Goulbourn Valley Hwy
- Maroondah Hwy and Devon Rd
- Goulbourn Valley Hey and Whatton Pl
- Faithfull Rd at Hume Fwy
- Tarcombe Rd at Hume Fwy
- Maroondah Hwy between Yea and Maindample
- Maroondah Hwy from McKenzie Ave, Healsville
There are Emergency Relief Centres operating:
- Seymour Sports and Aquatics Centre (Chittick Park), Pollard St, Seymour
- Benalla Town Hall, 82-86 Nunn St, Benalla
To register that you are safe or for enquiries regarding residents in the fire area go online to Register Find Reunite https://register.redcross.org.au/
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UPDATE: 7.08pm
A Leave Immediately - Emergency Warning is being issued for Creighton, Creightons Creek, Euroa, Kithbrook, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Pranjip, Sheans Creek.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The wind change is imminent. This will cause the fire to change direction to the north east heading back towards Euroa. Conditions will become very dangerous and unpredictable!
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
What you should do
Travel to: Emergency Relief Centres are open at:
Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre (Chittick Park) Pollard St, Seymour
Benalla Town Hall 82-86 Nunn St, Benalla
Caged pets can be taken to relief centres.
- The home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
- When you leave remember to take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
In the car:
- If you are travelling, do not enter the area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety.
- Slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.
If you are unable to leave you should shelter 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.
If you cannot get indoors, other last resort options include:
- 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.
- Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
If you are caught in fire in your car:
- Park behind a solid structure to block the fire's heat or pull over to cleared area.
- Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
- Turn on your hazard lights and headlights.
- Close all windows.
- Turn off the air-conditioning and shut all the air vents.
- Turn your car engine off.
- Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a pure woollen blanket.
The following roads are closed:
- Merton Euroa Rd closed through to the Hume Fwy
- McMenaman Rd and Maroondah Hwy
- Kobyboyn Rd and Highlands Rd
- Ghin Ghin Rd and Goulbourn Valley Hwy
- Maroondah Hwy and Devon Rd
- Goulbourn Valley Hwy and Whatton Pl
- Faithfull Road at Hume Fwy
- Tarcombe Road at Hume Fwy
- Maroondah Hwy between Yea and Maindample
- Maroondah Hwy from McKenzie Ave Healsville
Check the VicTraffic website (www.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
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UPDATE: 6.44pm
A Leave Now Watch and Act message is being issued for Barjarg, Bonnie Doon, Creek Junction, Dry Creek, Maindample, Tallangallook, Too-rour and Peppin Point.
- The Longwood bushfire is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in an easterly direction towards Bonnie Doon.
- This message is not for Mansfield township. Mansfield township is outside of the warning area.
A wind change is expected around 8:00pm tonight (Friday 9 January). This will cause the fire to change direction to the north east, heading back towards Strathbogie. Conditions will become very dangerous and unpredictible.
Don't wait, leaving now is the safest option - conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
What you should do
- Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
- Protect yourself and your family.
- If you are away from home, do not return.
If the situation changes or you feel unsafe you should leave:
- Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
- Many people have died trying to leave at the last minute during fires.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
The following roads are closed:
- Merton Euroa Rd closed through to the Hume Fwy
- McMenaman Rd and Maroondah Hwy
- Kobyboyn Rd and Highlands Rd
- Ghin Ghin Rd and Goulbourn Valley Hwy
- Maroondah Hwy and Devon Rd
- Goulbourn Valley Hwy and Whatton Pl
- Faithfull Road at Hume Fwy
- Tarcombe Road at Hume Fwy
- Maroondah Hwy between Yea and Maindample
The following Emergency Relief Centres are open:
- Mansfield Sports Complex, 35 Highett Street, Mansfield
- Seymour Sports and Aquatics Centre (Chittick Park), Pollard Street, SEYMOUR
To register that you are safe or for enquiries regarding residents in the fire area go online to Register Find Reunite https://register.redcross.org.au/
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UPDATE: 6.17pm
A Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning has been issued for Acheron, Devils River, Eildon, Taylor Bay and Thornton.
- The Longwood bushfire is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a south-easterly direction towards Eildon.
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
A wind change is expected around 8:00pm tonight (Friday 9 January).
This will cause the fire to change direction to the north east, heading back towards Strathbogie. Conditions will become very dangerous and unpredictible.
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.
The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.
What you should do:
Move indoors:
- Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from pure cotton or wool. Wear leather boots.
- Bring your pets inside.
- Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and 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:
- Move away from the rooms that are on fire, closing doors behind you.
- As soon as the bushfire has passed the house, or conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt. Staying inside a burning building will almost certainly end in death.
- It may still be too hot to remain outside, so you will need to seek shelter in another structure or last resort option.
If you cannot get indoors, last resort options include:
- 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.
- Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
If you are travelling:
- If you are travelling, do not enter the warning area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety.
- If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.
If you are caught in fire in your car:
- Park off the road behind a solid structure to block the fire's heat or pull over to cleared area.
- Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
- Turn on your hazard lights and headlights.
- Close all windows.
- Turn off the air-conditioning and shut all the air vents.
- Turn your car engine off.
- Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a pure woollen blanket.
The following roads are closed:
- Maroondah Hwy between Yea and Maindample
- Maroondah Hwy and Devon Rd
- Merton Euroa Rd closed through to the Hume Fwy
- McMenaman Rd and Maroondah Hwy
- Kobyboyn Rd and Highlands Rd
- Ghin Ghin Rd and Goulburn Valley Hwy
- Faithfull Rd at Hume Fwy
- Goulburn Valley Hwy and Whatton Pl
- Tarcombe Road at Hume Freeway
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UPDATE: 5.58pm
Fires across the state continue
The Natimuk fire near Horsham had grown to 5000ha by 3.45pm, according to State Control Centre spokesman David Nugent.
A total of five ‘Watch and Act’, ‘Shelter Indoors Now’ and ‘Leave Immediately’ warnings are in place across the Natimuk, Wimmera and Horsham areas.
There are also fires raging near Skipton, with three emergency warnings currently in place and Mt Mercer, which has three emergency warnings across Meredith, Bamganie and Lethbridge.
There are also fires with emergency warnings in Mt Blackwood, the Castlemain area and Mt Sarah, east of Mt Buller.
There is also a major fire in the north east corner of the state, which has nine emergency warnings including instructions to leave, evacuate and take shelter.
UPDATE: 5.50pm
Another emergency warning for Longwood fire
A Watch and Act message is being issued for Castella, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake East, Kinglake West, Pheasant Creek and Toolangi.
The CFA is recommending that residents prepare to leave as a bushfire in Yea is still not under control.
What you should do
Travel to:
- The home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
- When you leave remember to take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
In the car:
- If you are travelling, do not enter the area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety.
- Slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.
If you are unable to leave you should shelter 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.
If you cannot get indoors, other last resort options include:
- 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.
- Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
If you are caught in fire in your car:
- Park behind a solid structure to block the fire's heat or pull over to cleared area.
- Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
- Turn on your hazard lights and headlights.
- Close all windows.
- Turn off the air-conditioning and shut all the air vents.
- Turn your car engine off.
- Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a pure woollen blanket.
UPDATE: 5.39pm
Displaced residents share their stories at Seymour evacuation centre
Seymour Telegraph reporter Billie Davern spoke with residents displaced by the bushfires at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, as evacuation warnings remain in place across the region.
Melissa Carbis, who evacuated with her family from Tarkham Rd, said the decision to leave was immediate after her area was placed under a yellow zone warning.
With 12 years’ experience as a firefighter, Ms Carbis said she understood the risk straightaway.
“I’ve seen fires, and I walked outside and looked across the hill and thought, ‘Oh my God — that wasn’t like that before’,” she said.
“I’m not used to being on this end — I’ve always been on the other end, fighting it.”
Ms Carbis said evacuating was harder now that she has children.
“Before, I didn’t care about my house because I didn’t have kids. It’s very different now.”
Originally from Yea, she said recent disasters highlighted how quickly conditions could change.
“This time last year, Yea was flooded. I was looking at photos thinking, ‘Wow — we were flooded, and now look at it’.”
She said shifting winds remained a major concern.
“If the wind changes, we’re right on the edge of all those new houses. It could take us out.”
Bill Brindle, from Eildon, said he was coming to terms with the uncertainty as the township emptied under evacuation orders.
“I’m getting to the point of accepting that anything could happen,” he said.
“With all the technology — watching wind speeds and numbers — the truth is, we still don’t know what will happen.”
Mr Brindle manages a caravan park and began evacuations the night before.
“This morning it didn’t look that bad, and I wondered if I’d overreacted. But now it’s looking very real.”
He said he feared the impact of the afternoon winds.
“I’d be surprised if a lot of Eildon is still there by the time these winds finish.”
Mr Brindle said many evacuees he spoke to were long-term rural property owners.
“They’ve been hardened by decades on the land. It’s a mindset — you deal with what’s happening now, not what could have been.”
He urged people to heed evacuation advice.
“Too often it’s older men who think they can manage it. You just know they’re going to be in trouble.”
Cathy Smith, from Molesworth, who runs a sheep and cattle property, evacuated yesterday after receiving the alert.
“It’s very distressing,” she said.
“I just want today to be over. The weather is so unpredictable — that’s the scariest part.”
Ms Smith said her main concern was her animals and not knowing when she would be allowed to return home.
“Talking to other evacuees helps calm my nerves. People have been really kind.”
She said she had learned about emergency resources while at the centre.
“I found out about the VicEmergency app and website today — that’s been really helpful.”
UPDATE: 5.33pm
Residents share images close to the fire
Seymour’s Mark Kelly, of Kellbell Earthworks, has been grading fire breaks on farms in the fire zone today.
He shared these images with us.
UPDATE: 5.30pm
Impact area increases again
The State Control Centre has released an updated ‘potential impact’ map.
“Communities that could be impacted by fire front or embers include: Avenel, Euroa, Strathbogie, Merton, Bonnie Doon, Taggerty, Buxton, Marysville, Murrindindi, Yea, Whiteheads Creek and surrounds,” the release said.
“This map represents the potential spread of the fire in a worst-case scenario – which is possible given the Catastrophic conditions in this area.”
UPDATE: 5.23pm
Another Leave Immediately warning issued
The ninth ‘Leave Immediately’ warning has been issued for Cambarville, Granton, Marysville, Narbethong, St Fillans and Wilks Creek due to the Longwood fire.
The bushfire is travelling from Alexandra in a south-easterly direction towards Marysville.
There are two relief centres open at Lilydale High School, 25 Melba Ave, Lilydale and, for caravans and trailers, Lilydale Recreation Reserve / Showgrounds, Market Street, Liliydale.
UPDATE: 5pm
Another Take Shelter Now warning for Longwood fire as it travels south
Residents in Break O'Day, Buxton, Clonbinane, Devlin Bridge, Flowerdale, Glenburn, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Marysville, Murrindindi, Rubicon, Taggerty, Toolangi, Woodbourne are being advised to leave immediately.
The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a southerly direction towards Taggerty and Buxton.
Emergency Relief Centres are open in Lilydale High School and Whittlesea Civic Centre.
UPDATE: 4.31pm
Another Take Shelter Now warning for Longwood fire as wind changes
A Take Shelter Now warning is being issued for Ancona, Fawcett, Gooram, Merton, Strathbogie, Strathbogie South, Woodfield.
CFA has advised that this fire is threatening homes and lives and it is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
A wind change is expected around 8pm tonight which will cause the fire to change direction to the north east, heading back towards Strathbogie.
Conditions will become very dangerous and unpredictable.
The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.
The next update is expected at 9pm tonight or as the situation changes.
UPDATE: 4.27pm
Another Watch and Act message issued for Longwood fire
A Watch and Act message is being issued for Creighton, Creightons Creek, Euroa, Kithbrook, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Pranjip and Sheans Creek.
CFA strongly recommends people in these areas Prepare to Leave.
CFA recommend the Seymour and Benalla Emergency Relief Centres for people leaving the area, or friends and family in non impacted areas.
The next update is expected by 11pm or as the situation changes.
UPDATE 3.51pm, Friday, January 9:
A Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning is being issued for Alexandra, Devils River, Fawcett, Lake Eildon, Maintongoon.
- The Longwood bushfire is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a south-easterly direction towards Eildonand Alexandra.
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- Please do not use mains water in Alexandra until absolutely necessary as water pressure is impacting firefighting efforts.
- It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
- The fire is expected to be in Alexandra any time from now.
A wind change is expected around 8pm.
This will cause the fire to change direction to the north east heading back towards Strathbogie. Conditions will become very dangerous and unpredictable.
The roads south of Alexandra remain open.
UPDATE 3.41pm, Friday, January 9:
This Watch and Act - Prepare to leave message is being issued for Break O'Day, Buxton, Clonbinane, Devlin Bridge, Flowerdale, Glenburn, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Marysville, Murrindindi, Rubicon, Taggerty, Toolangi and Woodbourne.
UPDATE 3.20pm, Friday, January 9:
A Leave Immediately - Emergency Warning is being issued for Dairy Creek, Ghin Ghin, Granite, Homewood, Kerrisdale, Trawool, Whiteheads Creek.
Check the VicTraffic website (www.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
UPDATE 3.13pm, Friday, January 9:
A Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning is being issued for Acheron, Devils River, Eildon, Taylor Bay, Thornton.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a south-easterly direction towards Eildon.
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
A wind change is expected around 8pm tonight (Friday 9 January). This will cause the fire to change direction to the north east, heading back towards Strathbogie. Conditions will become very dangerous and unpredictible.
The following roads are closed:
- Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample
- Maroondah Highway and Devon Road
- Merton Euroa Road closed through to the Hume Freeway
- McMenaman Rd and Maroondah Highway
- Kobyboyn Road and Highlands Road
- Ghin Ghin Road and Goulburn Valley Highway
- Faithfull Road at Hume Freeway
- Goulburn Valley Highway and Whatton Place
- Tarcombe Road at Hume Freeway
UPDATE 2.37pm, Friday, January 9:
A Leave Immediately - Emergency Warning is being issued for Acheron, Limestone, Taggerty, Whanregarwen and Yea.
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
- The home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
- You should leave using Goulbourn Valley Highway towards Seymour, Melba Highway or Maroondah Highway towards Lilydale.
DO NOT TRAVEL TOWARDS ALEXANDRA
The following roads are closed:
- Merton Euroa Road closed through to the Hume Freeway
- McMenaman Road and Maroondah Highway
- Kobyboyn Road and Highlands Road
- Ghin Ghin Road and Goulbourn Valley Highway
- Maroondah Highway and Devon Road
- Goulbourn Valley Highway and Whatton Place
- Faithfull Road at Hume Freeway
- Tarcombe Road at Hume Freeway
- Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample
Check the VicTraffic website (www.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
UPDATE 2.11pm, Friday, January 9:
A Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning is being issued for Cathkin, Caveat, Ghin Ghin, Highlands, Kanumbra, Killingworth, Koriella, Molesworth, Whanregarwen, Yarck.
The following roads are closed:
- Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample
- Maroondah Highway and Devon Road
- Merton Euroa Road closed through to the Hume Freeway
- McMenaman Rd and Maroondah Highway
- Kobyboyn Road and Highlands Road
- Ghin Ghin Road and Goulburn Valley Highway
- Faithfull Road at Hume Freeway
- Goulburn Valley Highway and Whatton Place
- Tarcombe Road at Hume Freeway
UPDATE 1.54pm, Friday, January 9:
A Watch and Act - Leave Now message is being issued for Barjarg, Bonnie Doon, Creek Junction, Dry Creek, Maindample, Tallangallook and Too-rour.
- The Longwood bushfire is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in an easterly direction towards Bonnie Doon.
- This message is not for Mansfield township. Mansfield township is outside of the warning area.
Impacts in your area: The following roads are closed:
- Hume Freeway between Violet Town and Seymour
- Campbell Street and Cliftons Streets, Euroa
- Faithfull Road and Hume Freeway
- Tarcombe Road and Hume Freeway
- Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample
The following Emergency Relief Centres are open:
Mansfield Sports Complex
35 Highett Street, Mansfield, The Mansfield Youth Centre is no longer open for relief.
Seymour Sports and Aquatics Centre (Chittick Park), Pollard Street, SEYMOUR
To register that you are safe or for enquiries regarding residents in the fire area go online to Register Find Reunite https://register.redcross.org.au/
UPDATE 1.54pm, Friday, January 9:
A Watch and Act - Monitor Conditions As They Are Changing message is being issued for Creighton, Creightons Creek, Euroa, Kithbrook, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Pranjip and Sheans Creek.
- The Longwood bushfire is not yet under control.
- Wind directions and spread of fire are regularly changing.
The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
The following roads are closed:
- Hume Freeway between Violet Town and Seymour
- Campbell Street and Cliftons Streets, Euroa
- Faithfull Road and Hume Freeway
- Tarcombe Road and Hume Freeway
- Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample
The following Emergency Relief Centres are open:
Seymour Sports and Aquatics Centre(Chittick Park), Pollard Street, SEYMOUR and
Mansfield Sports Complex, 35 Highett Street, Mansfield
UPDATE 1.54pm, Friday, January 9:
A Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning is being issued for Alexandra, Devils River, Fawcett, Lake Eildon, Maintongoon.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a south-easterly direction towards Eildon
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- Please do not use mains water in Alexandra until absolutely necessary as water pressure is impacting firefighting efforts.
- It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
- The fire is expected to be in Alexandra any time from now.
Impacts in your area:
- The following roads are closed:
- Merton Euroa Road closed through to the Hume Freeway
- McMenaman Road and Maroondah Highway
- Kobyboyn Road and Highlands Road
- Ghin Ghin Road and Goulbourn Valley Highway
- Maroondah Highway and Devon Road
- Goulbourn Valley Highway and Whatton Place
- Faithfull Road at Hume Freeway
- Tarcombe Road at Hume Freeway
- Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample
The roads south of Alexandra remain open.
UPDATE 1.10pm, Friday, January 9:
A Prepare to Leave - Watch and Act message is being issued for Acheron, Limestone, Taggerty, Whanregarwen, Yea.
- It is strongly recommended you Prepare to Leave.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood. The bushfire is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a southerly direction towards Yea.
Prepare to Leave immediately. Leave as soon as you are ready, as roads will become busy as people leave.
UPDATE 12.50pm, Friday, January 9:
A Prepare to Leave - Watch and Act message is being issued for Dairy Creek, Ghin Ghin, Granite, Homewood, Kerrisdale, Trawool, Whiteheads Creek.
- The bushfire is not yet under control.
- It is strongly recommended you Prepare to Leave.
- The bushfire is now at Whiteheads Creek and is expected to travel over the course of the day in a southerly direction.
UPDATE 12.26pm, Friday, January 9:
A Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning is being issued for Cathkin, Caveat, Ghin Ghin, Highlands, Kanumbra, Killingworth, Koriella, Molesworth, Whanregarwen, Yarck.
UPDATE 12.11pm, Friday, January 9:
A Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning is being issued for Cathkin, Caveat, Ghin Ghin, Highlands, Kanumbra, Killingworth, Koriella, Molesworth, Whanregarwen, Yarck.
UPDATE 11.54am, Friday, January 9:
A Leave Immediately - Emergency Warning is being issued for Acheron, Devils River, Eildon, Taylor Bay, Thornton.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a south-easterly direction towards Eildon.
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
Residents must leave by 1pm via the Taggerty Thornton Road and down the Maroondah Highway.
DO NOT TRAVEL INTO ALEXANDRA
The following roads are closed:
- Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample
- Maroondah Highway and Devon Road
- Merton Euroa Road closed through to the Hume Freeway
- McMenaman Rd and Maroondah Highway
- Kobyboyn Road and Highlands Road
- Ghin Ghin Road and Goulburn Valley Highway
- Faithfull Road at Hume Freeway
- Goulburn Valley Highway and Whatton Place
- Tarcombe Road at Hume Freeway
UPDATE 11.05am, Friday, January 9:
A Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning is being issued for Alexandra, Devils River, Fawcett, Lake Eildon, Maintongoon.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a south-easterly direction towards Eildon
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
- The fire is expected to be in Alexandra by 12.00pm 9 January 2026
The following roads are closed:
- Merton Euroa Road closed through to the Hume Freeway
- McMenaman Road and Maroondah Highway
- Kobyboyn Road and Highlands Road
- Ghin Ghin Road and Goulbourn Valley Highway
- Maroondah Highway and Devon Road
- Goulbourn Valley Highway and Whatton Place
- Faithfull Road at Hume Freeway
- Tarcombe Road at Hume Freeway
- Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample
The roads south of Alexandra remain open.
UPDATE 10.51am, Friday, January 9:
A Leave Immediately - Emergency Warning is being issued for Cathkin, Caveat, Ghin Ghin, Highlands, Kanumbra, Killingworth, Koriella, Limestone, Molesworth, Whanregarwen, Yarck.
UPDATE 10.50am, Friday, January 9:
A Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning is being issued for Caveat, Creightons Creek, Dropmore, Gobur, Gooram, Highlands, Kanumbra, Kelvin View, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Ruffy, Strathbogie, Tarcombe, Terip Terip, Upton Hill.
The following roads are closed:
- Faithfull Road and Hume Freeway
- Tarcombe Road and Hume Freeway
- Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample
- Merton Euroa Road closed through to the Hume Freeway
- McMenaman Road and Maroondah Highway
- Kobyboyn Road and Highlands Road
- Ghin Ghin Road and Goulbourn Valley Highway
- Maroondah Highway and Devon Road
- Goulbourn Valley Highway and Whatton Place
UPDATE 9.58am, Friday, January 9:
A Watch and Act - Leave Now message is being issued for Barjarg, Bonnie Doon, Creek Junction, Dry Creek, Maindample, Tallangallook, Too-rour.
The following roads are closed:
- Hume Freeway between Violet Town and Seymour
- Campbell Street and Cliftons Streets, Euroa
- Faithfull Road and Hume Freeway
- Tarcombe Road and Hume Freeway
- Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample
There are 3 Emergency Relief Centres operating:
- Seymour Sports and Aquatics Centre (Chittick Park), Pollard St Seymour
- Mansfield Sports Complex, Highett St Mansfield
- Benalla Town Hall, 82-86 Nunn Street Benalla
To register that you are safe or for enquiries regarding residents in the fire area go online to Register Find Reunite https://register.redcross.org.au/
UPDATE 7am, Friday, January 9:
A Stay Informed - Advice message is being issued for Boho South, Harrys Creek, Kithbrook, Lima, Lima East, Marraweeney, Violet Town, Warrenbayne.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a north-easterly direction towards Swanpool.
UPDATE 7am, Friday, January 9:
A Stay Informed - Advice message is being issued for Acheron, Devils River, Eildon, Snobs Creek, Taylor Bay, Thornton.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a south-easterly direction towards Eildon.
UPDATE 6.59am, Friday, January 9:
A Stay Informed - Advice message is being issued for Avenel, Kerrisdale, Trawool, Whiteheads Creek.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire may travel from Longwood in a westerly direction towards Avenel.
UPDATE 6.48am, Friday, January 9:
A Stay Informed - Advice message is being issued for Boho South, Harrys Creek, Kithbrook, Lima, Lima East, Marraweeney, Violet Town, Warrenbayne.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a north-easterly direction towards Swanpool.
There is currently no threat to communities, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
UPDATE 6.39am, Friday, January 9:
A Prepare to Leave - Watch and Act message is being issued for Creighton, Creightons Creek, Euroa, Kithbrook, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Pranjip, Sheans Creek.
UPDATE 6.34am, Friday, January 9:
This Watch and Act message is being issued for Acheron, Limestone, Taggerty, Whanregarwen, Yea.
- It is strongly recommended you Prepare to Leave.
Impacts in your area: The following roads are:
- Hume Freeway between Violet Town and Seymour
- Campbell Street and Cliftons Streets, Euroa
- Faithfull Road and Hume Freeway
- Tarcombe Road and Hume Freeway
- Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample
The following Emergency Relief Centres are open:
Seymour Sports and Aquatics Centre (Chittick Park), Pollard Street, SEYMOUR
and
Mansfield Youth Centre, 7 Erril Street, MANSFIELD
To register that you are safe or for enquiries regarding residents in the fire area go online to Register Find Reunite https://register.redcross.org.au/
UPDATE 6.02am, Friday, January 9:
A Leave Immediately - Emergency Warning is being issued for Cathkin, Caveat, Ghin Ghin, Highlands, Kanumbra, Killingworth, Koriella, Limestone, Molesworth, Whanregarwen, Yarck.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is expected to continue to extend in a south-easterly direction towards Lake Eildon
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
Impacts in your area: The following roads are closed:
- Hume Freeway between Violet Town and Seymour
- Campbell Street and Cliftons Streets Euroa
- Faithfull Road and Hume Freeway
- Tarcombe Road and Hume Freeway
- Maroondah Highway between Yea and Maindample
There are 2 Emergency Relief Centres operating:
- Seymour Sports and Aquatics Centre (Chittick Park), Pollard St Seymour
- Mansfield Youth Centre, 7 Erril St Mansfield
To register that you are safe or for enquiries regarding residents in the fire area go online to Register Find Reunite https://register.redcross.org.au/
_____________________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE 9.09pm, Thursday, January 8:
A Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning is being issued for Caveat, Creightons Creek, Dropmore, Euroa, Gobur, Gooram, Highlands, Kanumbra, Merton, Ruffy, Terip Terip.
- This message replaces the Emergency Warning issued at 7.37 pm.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a easterly direction towards Merton.
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.
UPDATE 7.39pm, Thursday, January 8:
A Take Shelter Now - Emergency Warning is being issued for Avenel, Dropmore, Highlands, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Upton Hill.
UPDATE 7.37pm, Thursday, January 8:
A Leave Immediately - Emergency Warning is being issued for Avenel, Creightons Creek, Euroa, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Old Longwood, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Upton Hill.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a easterly direction towards Crightons Creek.
- This Emergency Warning replaces the Emergency Warning issued at 3.25pm.
UPDATE 6.49pm, Thursday, January 8:
A Watch and Act - Prepare to Leave message is being issued for Acheron, Alexandra, Burnt Bridge, Cathkin, Eildon, Ghin Ghin, Jamieson, Kevington, Killingworth, Koriella, Lake Eildon, Limestone, Molesworth, Murrindindi, Rubicon, Taggerty, Thornton, Torbreck Station, Whanregarwen, Yea.
- It is strongly recommended you Prepare to Leave.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood. The bushfire is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Ruffy in a south-easterly direction towards Lake Eildon.
- The fire is expected to continue to travel south and east over night and into tomorrow.
- Weather conditions tomorrow Friday 9 January are expected to reach a Catastropic level and will see the fire move very fast.
UPDATE 5.59pm, Thursday, January 8:
A Stay Near Shelter Watch and Act message is being issued for Euroa, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East- north of the Hume Fwy.
- There is a grassfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- This grassfire is travelling in a north-westerly direction towards Locksley.
- Conditions are still dynamic, and it is important to monitor conditions.
For enquiries regarding residents in the fire area go on-line to https//register.redcross.org.au
The following roads are closed:
- Hume Freeway from Violet Town to Seymour.
- Campbell Street and Clifton Street, Euroa
- Faithfull Road and Hume Freeway
- Tarcombe Road and Hume Freeway
- Kanumbra-Gobur Road and Maroondah Highway
- Highlands Road and Telegraph Road
_____________________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE 5.12pm, Thursday, January 8:
A Prepare to Leave Watch and Act message is being issued for Alexandra, Bonnie Doon, Devils River, Eildon, Fawcett, Howes Creek, Karralika Heights, Koriella, Lake Eildon, Maindample, Maintongoon, Mansfield, Snobs Creek, Taylor Bay, Thornton, Whanregarwen, Woodfield.
- It is strongly recommended you Prepare to Leave.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood. The bushfire is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a south-easterly direction towards Eildon.
Prepare to Leave immediately. Leave as soon as you are ready, as roads will become busy as people leave.
Check the VicTraffic website (www.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
UPDATE 4.55pm, Thursday, January 8:
A Leave Immediately Emergency Warning is being issued for Cathkin, Caveat, Dropmore, Fawcett, Ghin Ghin, Gobur, Highlands, Kanumbra, Kerrisdale, Killingworth, Koriella, Merton, Molesworth, Tarcombe, Terip Terip, Trawool, Whanregarwen, Whiteheads Creek, Woodfield, Yarck.
This warning has not been downgraded, as the fire behaviour is expected to increase over the coming day and will affect communities south and east of the fire.
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
UPDATE 4.47pm, Thursday, January 8:
A Take Shelter Now Emergency Warning is being issued for Avenel, Dropmore, Highlands, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Upton Hill.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is currently travelling in a south-easterly direction, but conditions are changeable.
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.
The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.
UPDATE 3.25pm, Thursday, January 8:
A Leave Immediately Emergency Warning is being issued for Avenel, Creightons Creek, Euroa, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Old Longwood, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Upton Hill.
UPDATE 3.23pm, Thursday, January 8:
A Take Shelter Now Emergency Warning is being issued for Caveat, Creightons Creek, Dropmore, Euroa, Gobur, Gooram, Highlands, Kanumbra, Merton, Ruffy, Terip Terip.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a easterly direction towards Merton.
- This fire is threatening homes and lives.
- It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
UPDATE 2.45pm, Thursday, January 8:
A Leave Immediately Emergency Warning is being issued for Avenel, Creightons Creek, Euroa, Gooram, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Old Longwood, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Upton Hill.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a easterly direction towards Crightons Creek.
The following roads are closed:
- Hume Freeway between Violet Town and Avenel
- Creightons Creek Road and Hume Freeway
- Longwood Ruffy Road and Gap Road
- Oak Valley Road and Gilberts Road
- Redgate Lane and Longwood Ruffy Road
- Upton Hill Road at the fire station
UPDATE 2.14pm, Thursday, January 8:
The fire has burnt through about 9230 hectares of land, and is yet to be under the control of attending emergency services.
There are 42 tankers currently on scene.
The fire is still travelling in a southerly direction.
There are three active emergency warnings in place, see below for more details.
UPDATE 12.57pm, Thursday, January 8:
A Leave Immediately Emergency Warning is being issued for Cathkin, Caveat, Dropmore, Ghin Ghin, Gobur, Highlands, Killingworth, Ruffy, Terip Terip, Trawool, Whiteheads Creek, Yarck.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is expected to continue to extend in a southerly direction towards the Goulburn River.
This warning has not been downgraded, as the fire behaviour is expected to increase during the day and will affect communities south of the fire.
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
A Community meeting will be held today Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 6.pm.
Impacts in your area: The following roads are closed preventing entry to the fire area at:
- Hume Freeway between Violet Town and Avenel
- Creightons Creek Road and Hume Freeway
- Longwood Ruffy Road and Gap Road
- Oak Valley Road and Gilberts Road
- Redgate Lane and Longwood Ruffy Road
- Upton Hill Road at the fire station
UPDATE 11.04am, Thursday, January 8:
A Take Shelter Now Emergency Warning is being issued for Avenel, Dropmore, Highlands, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Upton Hill.
The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.
UPDATE 11.04am, Thursday, January 8:
A Leave Immediately Emergency Warning is being issued for Avenel, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Upton Hill.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a westerly direction towards Locksley.
- This Emergency Warning replaces the Emergency Warning issued at 9pm on 7 January 2026.
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
Tallarook’s Crazy Cats Cattery offering free temporary accommodation for cats displaced by local fires
Limited availability.
Call 0481 005 509 or email enquiry@crazycatscattery.com
UPDATE 7.22am, Thursday, January 8:
A Leave Immediately - Emergency Warning is in place for Avenel, Caveat, Dropmore, Highlands, Ruffy, Tarcombe and Terip Terip.
Residents in the SOUTH of a line drawn from Maggies Lane to Mount Monica to Tarcombe Road, Nolans Road, Buntings Hill Rd could be impacted.
UPDATE 6.11am, Thursday, January 8:
A Leave Immediately - Emergency Warning is being issued for Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Ruffy, Tarcombe and Upton Hill.
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
UPDATE 6.09am, Thursday, January 8:
Overnight a Watch and Act - Stay Near Shelter warning has been issued for Locksley, Longwood- north of the Hume Freeway.
Staying close to a building where you can shelter is the safest option, as conditions can change suddenly.
Continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
The Hume Fwy is closed in both directions between Violet Town and Seymour with traffic diversions in place.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE 6.55pm, Wednesday, January 7:
A Watch and Act - Prepare to Leave message is being issued for Caveat, Dropmore, Highlands, Terip Terip, Yarck.
There is a bushfire at Longwood. The bushfire is not yet under control.
The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a south-easterly direction towards Caveat.
Embers are starting small fires ahead of the main fire.
Prepare to Leave. Have your items ready and your travel plans organised.
What you should do:
- Monitor the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can mean the situation is worsening.
- Protect yourself and your family.
- If you are not prepared, leave now. Don’t wait until it is too late - leave early.
- If you are away from home, do not return.
If you are leaving, pack:
- Cash
- Clothing for three days
- Medicine for three days
- Phone and chargers
- Toiletries
- Important documents
- Meaningful items and photos
- Pet essentials, including leash and carriers.
Check on your neighbours if it is safe.
Check the VicTraffic website for road closures.
Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe.
UPDATE 6.14pm, Wednesday, January 7:
A Leave Immediately Emergency Warning is being issued for Caveat, Dropmore, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Terip Terip.
There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
The bushfire is travelling from Hume Freeway in a south-easterly direction towards Ruffy.
residents in the SOUTH of a line drawn from Maggies Lane to Mount Monica to Tarcombe Road, Nolans Road, Buntings Hill Rd could be impacted anytime within the next 2 - 4 hours.
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
UPDATE 5.57pm, Wednesday, January 7:
A Take Shelter Now Emergency Warning is being issued for Avenel, Longwood, Longwood East, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Upton Hill.
- This warning is for the residents in the area NORTH of a line drawn from Maggies Lane and Mount Monica
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from the Hume Freeway in a south-easterly direction towards Longwood-Ruffy Road.
- You must take shelter now.
- This Emergency Warning replaces the Emergency warning message issued at 3.30pm 7 January, 2026.
- If you have not already left, the time to safely evacuate has now passed. Take shelter indoors immediately. It is now too dangerous to leave.
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.
The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.
UPDATE 4.44pm, Wednesday, January 7:
A Watch and Act - Leave Now message is being issued for Ruffy, Tarcombe, Upton Hill, Longwood East.
There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
The bushfire is travelling from Oak Valley Road in a south-easterly direction towards Longwood-Ruffy Road.
Don't wait, leaving now is the safest option - conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
UPDATE 4pm, Wednesday, January 7:
Forest Fire Management Victoria has bulldozers heading to the scene of the Longwood fire to try to create control lines.
So far the fire has burnt 128 hectares.
A State Control Centre spokesperson said firefighters were initially called to two grass fires burning on the side of the Hume Fwy at 2.29pm.
EARLIER: Residents are being warned it is too late to leave and to take shelter immediately as a bushfire in Longwood on Wednesday, January 7, is yet to be controlled.
The bushfire is currently travelling from the Hume Fwy in a south-easterly direction towards Longwood-Ruffy Rd.
The emergency warning issued at 3pm is for residents in Longwood, Longwood East, Ruffy, Tarcombe and Upton Hill.
Residents who have not already left should shelter indoors immediately, as it is too dangerous to leave now.
If you cannot get indoors, shelter in the middle of a large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve, or get into a large body of water like a dam, lake, river, or in ground pool.
Twenty-three vehicles were on scene, including 20 tankers and firefighting aircraft, at 3.45pm.
What you should do:
Move indoors:
- Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from pure cotton or wool. Wear leather boots.
- Bring your pets inside.
- Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and 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:
- Move away from the rooms that are on fire, closing doors behind you.
- As soon as the bushfire has passed the house, or conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt. Staying inside a burning building will almost certainly end in death.
- It may still be too hot to remain outside, so you will need to seek shelter in another structure or last resort option.
If you cannot get indoors, last resort options include:
- 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.
- Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
If you are travelling:
- If you are travelling, do not enter the warning area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety.
- If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.
If you are caught in fire in your car:
- Park off the road behind a solid structure to block the fire's heat or pull over to cleared area.
- Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
- Turn on your hazard lights and headlights.
- Close all windows.
- Turn off the air-conditioning and shut all the air vents.
- Turn your car engine off.
- Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a pure woollen blanket.
Impacts in your area:
- Embers are being carried by the wind large distances ahead of the main fire and starting spot fires.
- Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.
- Bushfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the fire reaches you.
For more information, visit the VicEmergency website at https://tinyurl.com/2n7m42d2