Victoria bushfires: Areas evacuated and urged to take shelter from ‘catastrophic’ fire conditions
Residents in Victoria’s northeast are preparing for hazardous conditions as authorities warn the state is facing the worst fire threats since the Black Summer blazes of 2019 and 2020.
South-West, Wimmera, Northern Country, and North Central regions have been slapped with a catastrophic fire danger rating for tomorrow, while all other regions have been given an extreme rating.
A total fire ban is in place for the entire state on Friday as temperatures are expected to get up to 44C in some areas.
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The blaze is still burning in Longwood, with two structures getting destroyed in the fire this morning. Authorities are not yet able to determine whether they are houses or sheds.
Country Fire Authority deputy incident controller, Greg Murphy, spoke to a crowd of residents at the Seymour Sports and Aquatics Centre today, warning them that the fire “has travelled quite a significant distance today, and as we speak, there are communities that are burning”.
“And today was a difficult day. Tomorrow is a catastrophic day. So if it’s done that today, you can see the challenges in front of us,” he said.
“Despite our best efforts today, we were not able to control this fire. Tomorrow, we’ve got no chance.”
What areas are affected?
Residents in the following areas are being asked to leave immediately:
Cathkin, Caveat, Dropmore, Fawcett, Ghin Ghin, Gobur, Highlands, Kanumbra, Kerrisdale, Killingworth, Koriella, Merton, Molesworth, Tarcombe, Terip Terip, Trawool, Whanregarwen, Whiteheads Creek, Woodfield, and Yarck.
Residents in the following areas are being urged to take shelter in their homes immediately:
Avenel, Dropmore, Highlands, Ruffy, Tarcombe, and Upton Hill.
Residents in the following areas are being asked to prepare to leave immediately:
Alexandra, Bonnie Doon, Devils River, Eildon, Fawcett, Howes Creek, Karralika Heights, Koriella, Lake Eildon, Maindample, Maintongoon, Mansfield, Snobs Creek, Taylor Bay, Thornton, Whanregarwen, and Woodfield.
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
What should I do?
There is a relief centre open at the Seymour Sports and Aquatics Centre, Pollard Street, Seymour, however, if you are unable to leave you should shelter indoors.
According to Emergency Victoria you should 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.
If you are unable to leave, Emergency Victoria says 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.
Maps from the Country Fire Authority reveal that the Longwood fire could spread and affect more than 20 towns and hamlets tomorrow in a worst-case scenario.
The fire has already burned more than 9000 hectares, but could potentially spread more than 30 kilometres south and east.
“The fire behaviour is expected to increase over the coming day and will affect communities south and east of the fire,” the CFA warns.
“Communities in these areas are urged to leave early, tonight, 8 January or no later than 7am on 9 January.”
As Melbourne gears up for a 41C day on Friday, the acting premier Ben Caroll, described Victoria as “one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world”.
“There is also the real risk of heat-related illness throughout the state tomorrow.”
Victorians are being urged to be prepared, keep hydrated, stay indoors, and check in on loved ones.
Visit the Emergency Victoria website for updates.
