Source: VIC Emergency

Issued Today at 10:33 AM.
This Watch and Act message is being issued for Acheron, Alexandra, Ancona, Cathkin, Caveat, Creightons Creek, Devils River, Dropmore, Fawcett, Ghin Ghin, Gobur, Gooram, Highlands, Kanumbra, Kelvin View, Killingworth, Koriella, Limestone, Longwood, Longwood East, Maintongoon, Merton, Molesworth, Old Longwood, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Terip Terip, Thornton, Upton Hill, Whanregarwen, Woodfield, Yarck, Yea.

This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act message issued at 10.11am on Saturday 17th January.
There is a bushfire that started at Longwood that is not yet under control. Many roads in this area have been impacted by fire, and damaged trees are continually falling across these roads. Roads are being prioritised and assessed for safe access.
Fire crews and aircraft continue to work in and patrol these areas.

The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.

People who are not local to the area avoid travel to the fire affected areas.
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.
Enact your fire survival plan.
If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.
If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Protect yourself and your family.

Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe.
Remember to:

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.

Impacts in your area:
These roads have been opened to Authorised Access for residents and essential services.

Goulburn Valley Highway from Yea to Maroondah Hwy
Maroondah Link Highway from Cathkin to Yarck
Maroondah Highway from Goulburn Valley Highway to Alexandra
Maroondah Highway from Mansfield to Merton
Euroa-Merton Road from Merton to Euroa
Longwood-Ruffy Road from Longwood to Ruffy
Hays Road from Yarck to Gobur
Yarck Road from Gobur to Top Road intersection
Top Road from Yarck Road intersection to Terip Terip
Stoney Creek Road from Fawcett to the end of road.

Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.

Community Newsletter:
18 January Community Newsletter
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.

The next update is expected by 19/01/2026 11:00 am 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)
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.

For 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.

CFA Current Bushfires