Source: VIC Emergency

Emergency Warning - Bushfire - Leave Immediately
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Issued Today at 3:25 PM.

This 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.
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 is currently closed between Violet Town and Avenel.
Avenel-Longwood Road and Clarkes Road are open.

What you should do:

There is a relief centre open at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, Pollard Street, Seymour.

Travel to:
You should leave and head towards Seymour via Grimwade Road and Goulburn Valley Freeway.
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.
Impacts in your area:
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
This messages was issued by Country Fire Authority.

The next update is expected by 08/01/2026 07:00 pm or as the situation changes.

Use multiple sources to stay informed:
www.emergency.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
VicEmergency app
Facebook or Twitter (#vicfires).
Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
To access this information in other languages call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service for assistance and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.

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