Friday, January 9, 2026
4pm: Firefighting resources are being stretched to their limits across Victoria. A fire truck may not be available to attend a fire in your district, home or area.
You must keep a watch on the VicEmergency app and also ensure you have a battery-powered (or crank handle) tranistor radio is, given many power outages are also being reported, this could lead to loss of the internet and mobile phone towers may both, either, and, or, both lose power due to a power outage or be impacted by a bushfire, leaving you without any form of communication.
You need to act now to survive.
3:30pm: EMERGENCY WARNING. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY remains in place for Dairy Creek, Ghin Ghin, Granite, Homewood, Kerrisdale, Trawool and Whiteheads Creek.
The following roads are closed:
Merton Euroa Road is 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.
3pm: People residing in, or visiting, Cathkin, Caveat, Ghin Ghin, Highlands, Kanumbra, Killingworth, Koriella, Molesworth, Whanregarwen and Yarck need to
The out-of-control bushfire is currently travelling 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 VicEmergency representative stated.
An Emergency Warning to take shelter has also been issued for Ancona, Fawcett, Gooram, Merton, Strathbogie, Strathbogie South and Woodfield.
It is too late to leave the area safely. You must take shelter now.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.”
At 2pm, the Longwood fire was reported to be fast approaching the Alexandra area, where residents have been asked not to use mains water, as mains pressure is required for firefighting. Authorities advised that it is too late to leave Alexandra, Devils River, Fawcett, Lake Eildon and Maintongoon.
A Watch and Act message was issued for Dairy Creek, Ghin Ghin, Granite, Homewood, Kerrisdale, Trawool and Whiteheads Creek.
A ‘Stay Informed’ message was issued for Avenel, Locksley, Mangalore, Monea, Seymour, Tabilk and Tarcombe.
“There is currently no threat to you, but you should stay informed and plan for what you will do if the situation changes.”
2pm: The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasts potential thunderstorms today, which, without rainfall behind them, could ignite new fires anywhere in the state with dry lightning.
1:30pm: The potential impact area for the Longwood fire to spread has been increased.
Fire and weather conditions occurring today will make bushfires burning near Longwood and at Mount Lawson extremely dangerous for people who live, work or are holidaying in these areas.
Today’s fire danger is the worst across Victoria since Black Summer in 2019-20. Catastrophic and Extreme Fire conditions have been forecast across the state.
Two maps showing potential impact areas were distributed yesterday and again this morning.
The Longwood fire is incredibly dynamic, with the fire spreading in multiple directions. The potential impact area for this fire has since increased.
People under the new areas of impact for the Longwood fire should first check VicEmergency for current warnings. If you are not under an Emergency Warning – Take Shelter Now warning, you must activate your bushfire survival plan and leave immediately ahead of imminent worsening conditions.
Leaving early is always the safest option to protect your life. Check warnings regularly as the situation changes.
Communities that could now be impacted by fire front or embers from the Longwood fire between now and 11pm tonight include: Whiteheads Creek, Avenel, Locksley, Creighton, Strathbogie, Tallangallook, Bonnie Doon, Lake Eildon, Thornton, Limestone, Yea, Alexandra and surrounds.
These maps represent the potential spread of fire in a worst-case scenario.
The Mount Lawson fire continues to burn and people should check the previous update for areas that may be impacted.
When leaving, be sure to let your family and friends know where you are going or use Register.Find.Reunite to ensure that emergency services know you’re safe.
Avoid travelling through bushland areas whenever possible.
It is vital to take action to protect your life. Your life may depend on the decisions you make.
Fire safety is a shared responsibility.
12:30pm: This morning alone, more than 40 fires across Victoria started as existing fires became more extreme – changing direction and moving rapidly.
“These reports are a stark reminder of the danger we face.,” Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen, said.
Today’s conditions are the worst Victoria has seen in years.
Multiple homes have already been lost.
9am: EMERGENCY WARNING. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY remains in place for Avenel, Creightons Creek, Euroa, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Old Longwood, Ruffy, Tarcombe and Upton Hill.
The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in an easterly direction towards Crightons Creek from a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
Those in Caveat, Creightons Creek, Dropmore, Euroa, Gobur, Gooram, Highlands, Kanumbra, Merton, Ruffy, Terip Terip are advised to TAKE SHELTER NOW AND IT IS TOO LATE TO LEAVE.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
7pm: Whilst tomorrow is expected to be extremely hot, thunderstorms are also expected from early tomorrow morning, according to the VHF Marine Weather Service provided by the BoM, on VHF Marine Channel 16. (156.8000MHz FM).
Also on VHF Marine Channel 67.
6pm: Ambulance services may not be available in areas deemed at ‘Catastrophic’ fire risk.
A Red Escalation across Victoria from 7am on Friday, January 9, 2026, has been declared by Ambulance Victoria in response to the catastrophic fire danger declaration for the South West, Wimmera, North Central and North Country regions and in consultation with our emergency service partners.
For safety, paramedics and first responders are being relocated from branches within declared regions of catastrophic fire danger risk and where those branches have been identified as high-risk due to their proximity to bushland and limited road access.
Crews will only be redeployed into these zones in the case of serious or life-threatening illness and only after a thorough risk assessment to consider the safety of our people.
Victorians are asked to follow official advice on VicEmergency for their own safety and the safety of emergency services personnel.
We remind the community to please access alternative care services including:
- The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department online 24/7
- NURSE-ON-CALL by calling 1300 60 60 24, 24 hours a day, seven days a week
In other areas of the state, the community can also seek non-urgent medical support via:
- Local Urgent Care Clinics, or
- visiting their GP or local pharmacist.
A Red Escalation is the highest level of Ambulance Victoria’s response framework and is declared when an incident is, or has the potential to, cause a severe impact on normal operations.
It enables Ambulance Victoria to activate its Emergency Response Plan and take additional actions beyond normal business operations to maintain community and paramedic safety and patient care.
5pm: A community meeting will be held this evening, Thursday, January 8 at 6:00pm in Seymour, to update the community on the unfolding fire situation in the area at the Seymour Sports & Aquatic Centre (Chittick Park) on Pollard Street, Seymour.
This meeting will be livestreamed via the VicEmergency – Hume Facebook page and UGFM local radio frequencies:
106.9MHz FM Alexandra / Lake Eildon
88.9MHz FM Yea / Highlands
98.5MHz FM Marysville / Lake Mountain
98.9MHz FM Flowerdale / Hazeldene
94.5MHz FM Kinglake Ranges
4:30pm: Fire and weather conditions forecast on Friday will make bushfires burning near Longwood and at Mount Lawson extremely dangerous for people who live, work or are holidaying in these areas.
Friday’s fire danger will be the worst across Victoria since Black Summer in 2019-20.
Catastrophic and Extreme Fire conditions have been forecast across the state.
Communities in these areas are urged to leave early, tonight, Thursday, January 8, or no later than 7am on Friday, January 9.
4pm: EMERGENCY WARNING. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY remains in place for Avenel, Creightons Creek, Euroa, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Old Longwood, Ruffy, Tarcombe and Upton Hill.
The bushfire is travelling from Longwood in an easterly direction towards Crightons Creek from a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control.
Those in Caveat, Creightons Creek, Dropmore, Euroa, Gobur, Gooram, Highlands, Kanumbra, Merton, Ruffy, Terip Terip are advised to TAKE SHELTER NOW AND IT IS TOO LATE TO LEAVE.
3pm: Many V/Line rail and bus services will not run tomorrow. On railway lines that pass through areas with a Catastrophic fire rating, this also means that replacement buses for rail services will not run either.
Therefore, if you require public transport, it is strongly advised that you catch the next bus or train service to either Melbourne or a major regional centre. If you can’t drive, these services will not be available tomorrow.
2:30pm: Parks and forests will be closed to the public in the Wimmera, North Central, Northern Country and South West districts tomorrow Friday, January 9, 2026 due to the forecast Catastrophic Fire Danger Day.
Conditions will be too dangerous to visit or stay in parks and forests. Individuals may not be notified, and you may not see closure signs or physical barriers.
Leave early.
Total Fire Bans apply statewide.
Visit emergency.vic.gov.au or use the VicEmergency app for the latest ratings, warnings and information.
2pm: EMERGENCY WARNING. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. for Bungil, Burrowye, Guys Forest, Koetong, Mount Alfred, Mount Alfred Gap, Thologolong.
The Upper Murray Event Centre at the Corryong Football Oval is open for community members seeking relief from the heat.
There is a bushfire at 25Km West Of Walwa that is not yet under control.
The bushfire is travelling from Mt Lawson National Park. It is spotting ahead of the fire into the private land around the Burrowye area.
Properties within the warning area could be impacted.
If you are north of the Burrowye Fire Station – go north on Guys Forest Road on the Murray River Road towards Corryong
If you are south of the Burrowye Fire Station – go south on the Guys Forest Road towards Corryong.
Do not use Burrowye Road to go south to Koetong.
1pm: A Statewide TOTAL FIRE BAN has been declared for tomorrow, Friday, January 9, 2026.
A statewide Total Fire Ban has been declared for Victoria tomorrow, with Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings forecast for the South West, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central and Extreme Fire Danger in all other areas on Friday, January 9.
Tomorrow’s conditions across Victoria will be the most dangerous experienced this summer, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees in many parts of the state and strong gusty winds of 30 to 50km/hr expected, on top of two days of extreme heat.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the safest option for people currently in bushfire risk areas within the South West, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central is to start planning to leave tonight or early in the morning.
“Tomorrow’s hot and erratic fire conditions will put you and your family’s lives at risk if a fire starts and takes hold. Fires will be unpredictable and uncontrollable,” Jason said.
“The safest place to be is away from high-risk areas such as campsites, parks and forests. Now is not the time to be complacent with your safety – please leave early.
“There are two large fires in the landscape at Longwood and Mt Lawson impacting communities, and Victorians must continue to stay informed via the VicEmergency app.”
Catastrophic and Extreme conditions make it difficult for firefighters to control fires, and with severe thunderstorms and potential for dry lightning forecast, challenges will arise.
“Be prepared for fire, monitor conditions and know where to get information so you can make good decisions about your safety,” Jason said.
“Don’t wait for an official warning before you leave, fires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes.
“Do not plan to defend your home on Catastrophic fire danger days – even well-prepared homes cannot withstand these conditions, and we may not be able to reach you.
“If you are caught out and all other bushfire plans have failed, be aware of local last resort options such as Neighbourhood Safer Places and designated Community Fire Refuges.”
A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban.
Victorians can find out if they are in an area where a Total Fire Ban is in force by visiting the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.
For more information on what you can and can’t do visit the Can I or Can’t I page on the CFA website.
Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information.
They include:
- ABC local radio, commercial and designated radio stations of Sky News
- The VicEmergency App
- The VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
- CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook
Total Fire Ban permits issued to companies and individuals in the South West, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central have been cancelled for tomorrow due to forecast Catastrophic fire conditions.
How to prepare for a Catastrophic fire danger day:
- Catastrophic fire danger signals the worst possible grass and bushfire conditions.
- Do not plan to stay and defend your home on Catastrophic fire danger days. Homes are not designed or constructed to withstand fire in these conditions – even the best prepared homes will not be safe. You could lose your life or be seriously injured.
- The safest place to be is away from high-risk areas such as campsites, parks and forests.
- If you’re in a bushfire risk area, plan to leave your home or accommodation early in the morning or the night before.
- Pack an overnight bag with essential supplies, including provisions for pets and animals.
- Avoid unnecessary travel and check for road closures and detours.
- Check whether schools, childcare, transport and health services are impacted and adjust travel accordingly.
- Prepare for power outages.
- Check on and assist any vulnerable neighbours.
- If you are on mains water, turn off hoses and sprinklers if you evacuate your property.
What to do on a Catastrophic fire danger day:
- You won’t always receive a warning or be told what to do if a fire starts. Don’t wait and see – it’s up to you to be prepared. Know what to do and take action.
- You should never wait to receive an official warning before you leave. Emergencies can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes. Leave bushfire risk areas early in the morning or the night before.
- Be prepared for fire, monitor conditions, and know where to get information so you can make good decisions about your safety.
- If you get caught out during a fire, know where your last resort options are, including Neighbourhood Safer Places and designated Community Fire Refuges. These are places of last resort when all other bushfire plans have failed.
- They may protect you and your family from direct flame and radiant heat, but they do not guarantee safety.
12:45pm: An emergency relief centre has opened at the Seymour Aquatic Centre, located on Pollard St, Seymour.
12:30pm: TAKE SHELTER NOW. An out-of-control bushfire is travelling from Longwood in a south-westerly direction towards Highlands Road, threatening homes and lives. It is too late to leave now if you live in Avenel, Dropmore, Highlands, Ruffy, Tarcombe or Upton Hill.
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately.
12pm: A CFA source has told VicNews that “smoke is visible from my place” and “I’ve still got power for now.” The source also informed us that the Longwood fire “may impact Molesworth by 7pm tonight.”
For those in the area, UGFM and ABC Goulburn Murray are your emergency broadcasters. Ensure you have a battery-powered (or crank-handle) AM/FM transistor radio available.
UGFM:
106.9MHz FM Alexandra/Eildon
88.9MHz FM Yea/Highlands
98.5MHz FM Marysville/Lake Mountain
98.9MHZ FM Flowerdale/Hazeldene
94.5MHz FM Kinglake Ranges
ABC GOULBURN MURRAY:
102.9MHz FM Alexandra
97.7MHz or 106.5MHz FM Benalla
98.1MHz FM Eildon
97.7MHz FM Euroa
103.7MHz FM Mansfield
91.1MHz FM Yea
774kHz AM (Melbourne) via 3LO
11:45am: EMERGENCY WARNING. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY has been issued for Avenel, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Ruffy, Tarcombe and Upton Hill.
There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control, travelling from Longwood in a westerly direction towards Locksley.
This Emergency Warning supersedes the Emergency Warning issued at 9:00pm on January 7, 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.
The Hume Freeway remains closed in both directions between Violet Town and Avenel. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.
Motorists should detour via the Goulburn Valley Freeway and Violet Town-Murchison Road, allowing an extra 20 minutes for the detour.
11:30am: A Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist is warning that ‘heat is intensifying’ across Victoria, with parts of the state potentially facing catastrophic fire conditions tomorrow.
There is also the possibility of thunderstorms developing, which could cause dry lightning, potentially sparking new bushfires.
9:30am: Victoria continues to experience severe to extreme heatwave conditions and elevated fire risk across the state.
Today, maximum temperatures are expected to reach 42-46°C in the north, 35-38°C in Gippsland, 22-25°C on the SW coast and 26-34°C elsewhere. A Total Fire Ban has been declared today (Thursday, January 8) for the Mallee, Northern Country, North East and North Central districts.
Two significant fires are burning in Mount Lawson and Longwood, with multiple warnings in place and hundreds of firefighters on scene. We urge those in the surrounding areas to follow the warnings on VicEmergency.
Victorians are urged to prepare for worsening fire conditions tomorrow (Friday, January 9). The Wimmera, Northern Country, and North Central districts are currently forecast to reach a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating, with Extreme currently forecast for the remainder of the state.
A Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating means conditions will be the most dangerous for a fire, and if a fire starts and takes hold, lives and homes are likely to be lost.
Stay cool by wearing light, loose clothing, drinking plenty of water and closing windows and blinds early to limit heat entering your home. For more info and resources: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat.
Make sure you know your local risk and what to do if a fire starts. To check your Fire Danger Rating for today: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/fdr.
For information and warnings, visit the VicEmergency website: http://emergency.vic.gov.au, download the VicEmergency app or call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226.
Listen to your local emergency broadcaster and never rely on one source of information.
