Wednesday, February 11, 2026
6:30pm: The Clarkefield fire remains an EMERGENCY WARNING; however, there have been no other major fire outbreaks reported today, and other fires that have been burning across Victoria for over a month remain under control and contained.
This concludes our emergency coverage for today; however, if the need arises, we will resume publishing.
5:30pm: The Clarkefield fire that was spreading towards the east, with the arrival of the southerly change, has changed the direction of the firefront from the eastern flank to the northern flank as the fire is now pushing in a north-easterly direction, pushed by the southerly cool change.
5pm: The Clarkefield fire has been confirmed to (currently) be a 450-hectare fire. The State Emergency Service is also on scene.
4:45pm: Gusty winds with showers and possible thunderstorms are predicted for this afternoon and evening as a blustery front and trough move through the state this afternoon and evening, bringing the risk of gusty winds with showers or thunderstorms.
These predicted storms could bring sudden, gusty wind changes that could change the direction of a fire and also cause new fires started by flying embers carried on the wind to spark new fires several kilometres ahead of the main firefront, sparking new fires.
Such thunderstorms also carry the risk of dry lightning sparking new fires.
4pm: The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued (at 3:55pm) a ROAD WEATHER ALERT for metropolitan Melbourne and parts of Victoria as a cold, “southerly buster” arrives from South Australia.
Slippery roads will make driving conditions dangerous on Wednesday afternoon and evening in all suburbs.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should reduce speed and maintain a greater distance between themselves and the vehicle in front.
For information on any road closures, contact your local council or the police.
3:45pm: The Threat is Reduced for homes and properties along the Lancefield Road, west of the Clarkefield fire.
There are other warning messages still current for this fire.
This Advice message replaces the Watch & Act message issued at 2:46pm this afternoon.
However, people should remain vigilant and up to date as the weather – and subsequent wind direction change – could either and/or chnage the direction of the main firefront or spark new fires several kilometres ahead of the main firefront.
Residents and those in and near the impacted area are advised to stay informed.
3:15pm: The Clarkefield fire remains an EMERGENCY WARNING.
Other fires, many of which have been going for over a month now, remain contained. However, people in the impacted and nearby areas should continue to monitor conditions as the southerly change is expected to change the direction of fire fronts, and what are currently controlled fires could once again become out of control in seconds.
The predicted thunderstorms could also spark new fires caused by dry lightning.
It is also advised that motorists, if pulling over, such as off a country highway or ‘bush road’ ensure that their vehicle’s exhaust does not make contact with long, dry grass, as doing so could spark a grass (or worse) fire in an instant.
2:30pm: EMERGENCY WARNING. SHELTER INDOORS NOW.
For residents (and visitors) to Beveridge, Bolinda, Clarkefield, Darraweit Guim, Mickleham, Oaklands Junction, Sunbury and Wildwood.
- There is a grassfire at Clarkefield that is not yet under control.
- Firefighters have been unable to stop the fire from spreading.
You are in danger and must act now to protect yourself. It is too late to leave. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately.
Quickly move indoors:
- Bring your pets 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 harm 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.
- 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 in-ground pool.
- Try to protect yourself from the fire’s heat.
- 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.
- 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 woollen blanket.
Impacts in your area:
- Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
- Grassfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the flames reach you.
- Grassfires can start and spread quickly, and are extremely dangerous.
