Type Status Location Last Updated
Watch and Act - Fire - Monitor Conditions As They Are Changing Moderate Ancona, Merton, Woodfield, Fawcett, Kanumbra Today at 11:19 AM
This Watch and Act message is being issued for Ancona, Fawcett, Kanumbra, Merton, Woodfield. 
  • This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act issued at 12.11pm on Thursday 15th January.
  • A bushfire started at Longwood that is not yet under control.
The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.

Traffic Management points are currently in place for this fire. We're asking those who are not local to the area to avoid unnecessary travel to respect that only people who need to get through will be given access. Traffic management points are in place to ensure your safety and you may be asked for ID.
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:
  • Road closure and opening information - The Goulburn Valley Highway from Yea, to Cathkin is now open. This includes the road network from Cathkin to Alexandra - Goulburn Valley Highway merging to the Maroondah Highway.
  • These roads have been opened as an access level C - Authorised Access for residents and essential services.
  • This allows access to - Local residents returning to their homes, People providing recovery and relief and essential services to residents in this area, Council or VicRoads employees or subcontractors, Business owners in the immediate area of Ruffy, DEECA or Ag Vic staff facilitating the treatment and humane destruction of injured animals, Individuals or groups delivering relief and aid to residents and animals.
  • Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
  • Trees can be extremely dangerous during a bushfire or high winds. Do not stand, park or travel in areas of fire affected trees.

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

The next update is expected by 17/01/2026 11:30 am 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.
  • 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.