Type Status Location Last Updated
Watch and Act - Fire - Not Safe to Return Moderate Koetong, Shelley, Berringama, Lucyvale and surrounds Yesterday at 1:23 PM
This Watch and Act message is being issued for Koetong, Shelley, Berringama, Lucyvale and surrounds. 
  • It is Not Safe to Return to the warning area. 
  • The bushfire that started 25Km West Of Walwa is not yet under control.
  • The fire started in the Mt Lawson State Park on the 5th January and has spread through to the Nariel Valley and Tallangatta Valley. 
  • Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.
  • This Watch and Act message replaces the Watch and Act issued at 12:14pm on Monday. 

Access the latest Community Newsletter HERE
If you left the area, it is Not Safe to Return. Be aware of potential dangerous bushfire and tree hazards.
What you should do:

If you have not already left: 
  • Stay where you are and avoid dangerous bushfire and tree hazards.
  • Check you have enough food, drinking water and medications - if you do not, phone Triple Zero (000) for assistance.
If you have already left: 
  • Do not return to your home until a Safe to Return notification is issued.   
  • Stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.

Impacts in your area:
  • Emergency services, machinery and aircraft will remain in the area.
  • Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads. 
  • Monitor air quality and take precautions to protect your health by visiting https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/ 
  • For localised mental health support please contact Albury Wodonga Health Mental Health Triage Line on 1300 104 211
  • 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 Meeting: 
Tuesday 20th January - 2:00pm at Corryong Memorial Hall 
Meetings will be live streamed to the Towong Shire Council Facebook page. Previous meeting recordings are also available. 

Public Land and Recreation Closures: 
Public land including National Parks and forested areas are closed due to ongoing fire activity. While conditions are unsafe for activities such as camping and hiking in forested areas, there are still many towns to visit and experiences to enjoy safely across the region. 

For information about private caravan parks or other private sites, including their opening hours, please contact the business owner directly. 

For a detailed list of National Parks and public land closures visit: 
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria. 

The next update is expected by 21/01/2026 01:00 pm or as the situation changes. 

Use multiple sources to stay informed:
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.