Type Status Location Last Updated
Watch and Act - Fire - Not Safe to Return Moderate Koetong, Shelley, Berringama, Lucyvale, Nariel Valley, Burrowye and surrounds Today at 6:35 PM
This Watch and Act message is being issued for Koetong, Shelley, Berringama, Lucyvale, Nariel Valley, Burrowye and surrounds. 
  •  It is Not Safe to Return to the warning area. 
  • There is a bushfire at 25km west of Walwa that is not yet under control. 
  • Crews are working to strengthen containment lines and conduct controlled back burning in the southern section of the fire. This may cause an increase in smoke in the area. 
  • Aircraft and heavy machinery are continuing to work on the fire. 
  • This Watch and Act message replaces the Watch and Act issued at 6:56am. 

Access the latest Community Newsletter online.
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:
  • The Murray River Road has opened for local traffic only. 
  • Shelley Road between Guys Forest Road and Murray Valley Highway remains closed. 
  • The Murray Valley Highway has opened for Emergency Services only. 
  • Keep up to date with road closures by monitoring the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70. 
  • Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions. 
  • Parts of the Rail Trail bike path are closed, follow signage in the area.
  • For localised mental health support please contact Albury Wodonga Health Mental Health Triage Line on 1300 104 211

Community Meetings: 
Monday 19th January 2026:
  • Mitta Mitta - 11:00am at Magorra Park Multipurpose Centre
  • Tallangatta Valley - 2:00pm at Tallangatta Valley Town Hall 
Tuesday 20th January 2026:
  • Walwa - 11:00am at Walwa Recreation Reserve 
  • Corryong - 2:00pm at Corryong Memorial Hall 
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria. 

The next update is expected by 19/01/2026 12:00 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.