Type Status Location Last Updated
Watch and Act - Fire - Not Safe to Return Moderate Koetong, Shelley, Berringama, Lucyvale and surrounds Yesterday at 12:14 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. 
  • 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 part of the fire. 
  • Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.
  • This Watch and Act message replaces the Watch and Act issued at 6:35pm on Saturday. 

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. 
  • 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 Meetings: 
Monday 19th January 2026:
  • 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 

Public Land and Recreation Closures: 
Public land in the Upper Murray is closed due to ongoing fire activity. Click HERE for a map of the closed areas. 

For more information, visit FFMVic website on https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/closures-of-parks-and-forests and Parks Victoria website on https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/coc-listing?status=Closed
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria. 

The next update is expected by 21/01/2026 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.