Type Status Location Last Updated
Advice - Fire - Stay Informed Minor Dog Rocks Saddle, Harcourt, Harcourt North, Barkers Creek, Faraday, Ravenswood South, Sutton Grange, Walmer Today at 6:22 PM
This Advice message is being issued for Barkers Creek, Dog Rocks Saddle, Faraday, Harcourt, Harcourt North, Ravenswood South, Sutton Grange, Walmer.
  • The fire that started from Fogartys Gap Road, Ravenswood South has been contained.
  • Fire damaged trees remain a serious hazard in the burnt area and crews are still undertaking assessments. Trees or limbs may fall without warning.
  • Smoke may be visible from nearby communities.
  • This Advice message replaces the Advice message issued at 10:40am and the Watch & Act message issued at 10:41am on Saturday, 17 January 2026. 
The area remains unsafe. Residents who need to return are able to but be aware of hazards including trees, machinery and firefighting vehicles. 

Access to Mount Alexander Regional Park is strictly prohibited. This is for your safety and the safety of our crews. 
The threat has reduced, but you should stay informed and monitor conditions. 
What you should do: 
  • Be aware that firefighting vehicles and other agencies will remain the area as part of the response and recovery efforts. Please keep roads and properties clear.
Other Information:
  • A Recovery Hub is open at the Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 Lyttleton Street, open daily from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
  • For affected residents, the Recovery Hub includes a number of agencies and organisations that can assist you through the recovery process including temporary accommodation support.
  • The recording of the latest community meeting can be accessed from the Mount Alexander Shire Council Facebook page. 
  • The Community Newsletter shared on the 16 January 2026 is available here with key information on current activity in the Harcourt area.
  • Community Newsletters are available at key locations.
  • Refer to Mount Alexander Shire Council website for further information on relief, recovery and accessibility. 
Impacts in your area: 
  • The Mount Alexander Regional Park is closed.
  • The Water Quality warning issued for Harcourt has been downgraded and tap water is now safe to use. 

The following roads are closed: 
  • Harmony Way from Gaaschs Road to Twyford Street 
  • Harmony Way north of Blackjack Road  
  • Eagles Road from McIvor Road to Market Street  
  • Victoria Road from Calder In-Ramp to Coolstore Road, Harcourt 
  • Joseph Young Drive 
  • McIvor Road, Harcourt/Harcourt North
  • Richards Road/Byrnes Road - South of Harcourt-Sutton Grange Road
We are working on making roads safe before they open.

Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.

The next update is expected by 18/01/2026 11:00 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.
  • 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.