FIRE EMERGENCY EDITION
MITCHELL • MURRINDINDI • MANSFIELD • NILLUMBIK • STRATHBOGIE • WHITTLESEA • YARRA RANGES
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
CATASTROPHIC FIRE DANGER RATING DECLARED FOR FRIDAY MP MONITORS LONGWOOD FIRE
‘Worst yet to come’ says Victorian fire chief
Latest News Roads closed
■ Roads were closed at the following points: ■ Longwood Ruffy Rd and Gap Rd ■ Redgate Lane and Longwood Ruffy Rd ■ Berrys Lane and Hume Fwy ■ Oak Valley Rd and Gilberts Rd
Relief Centre moves
■ An Emergency Relief Centre first established at the Yea Recreation Reserve moved on Wednesday night to the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, Pollard St, Seymour. The Yea Centre closed at 9pm Wednesday. “Council continues to work closely with emergency services and partner agencies as the situation evolves.,” said a Murrindindi Shire representative.
Total Fire Ban
● State Opposition Leader Jess Wilson with Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland. File Image. ■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Clerland was closely monitoring the Longwood-Hume Freeway fire late Wednesday night (Jan. 7). “Like many, our family is closely watching the Longwood fire tonight and we have activated our own fire plan,” said Ms Cleeland in a statement published on social media. “I want to encourage everyone across Longwood, Avenel, Ruffy, Highlands and surrounds to stay alert and take this seriously. “There is currently an active grass and scrub fire in Longwood area, with significant smoke visible across the entire region. “Conditions are hot, dry and windy, and a Total Fire Ban has been declared for our district , Thursday (Jan. 8). “Please keep a close eye on the Vic Emergency app for the most up to date warnings, make sure your phone is fully charged, and follow your fire plan. “There are currently several homes without power due to the fire. AusNet will update me on restoration times as soon as it is safe for crews to get in and carry out repairs. “This is one of those moments where small, sensible steps matter. Please look out for your neighbours, especially anyone who may need extra support, and do not ignore official advice. “I also want to thank our volunteers and firefighters. Many of them I know personally. Many are mates. Many have families at home waiting for them to come back safely. We owe them for putting themselves on the line to protect our communities. “Please stay safe, stay informed, and know that I am continuing to monitor the situation closely alongside our emergency services,” Ms Cleeland said.
● Aerial photo of the Longwood fire near the Hume Freeway. Photo: 7 News
■ As the Longwood-Hume Fwy fire continued into the early hours of Thursday (Jan. 8), Victoria’s fire chief warned that the worst conditions are yet to come. “Fires under these circumstances are uncontrollable,” said Jason Heffernan, CFA officer, referring to the catastrophic conditions predicted for Friday (Jan. 9) with temperatures predicted to be 40°C and more, the hottest in six years. As at late Wednesday night, CFA Media advised that the Longwood fire covered 416 hectares, with 46 appliances fighting the fire, and six aircraft (three helicopters and tree fixed-wing aircraft). More than 300 Country Fire Authority personnel were engaged in the around-the-clock fight.’ At 6.14pm Wednesday, a ‘Leave Immediately’ warning was issued for people in Caveat, Dropmore, Ruffy, Tarcombe and Terip Terip. Residents in nearby Yarck, Fawcett and Alexandra noticed ash in gardens, in their roof gutters and in driveways and paddocks. Smoke was visible from Alexandra and Yea.
● A Wandin CFA unit made its way to Terip Terip on Wednesday night.
■ Thursday (Jan. 8) has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban in the Mallee, Northern Country, North Central and North East districts of Victoria. No fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12.01am ntil 11.59pm on Thursday (Jan. 8).
Please heed warnings: Emergency Services Minister ■ Victorian Emergency Services Ministerc Vicki Ward is encouraging people in bushfireaffected areas to heed alerts which include recommendations to leave an area immediately. “I cannot emphasise enough leaving early is your best option,” Ms Ward said.
● Vicki Ward, Victorian Emergency Services Minister
● Jason Heffernan, Chief Fire Officer