Cancellations, closures and changes of services are taking place across Campaspe Shire as the community responds to the declaration of a Catastrophic Fire Danger rating on Friday, January 9.
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Stay informed by using the VicEmergency app, online at emergency.vic.gov.au or on the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226, or tune in to ABC local radio.
We’ll be updating this article throughout the day as more information becomes available.
FINAL UPDATE: 8.50pm
As the sun sets on a catastrophic day in Victoria, and the temperature in Echuca still hovers around 36.9ºC, we are logging off for the night.
Fires continue to burn in many locations across the state, from Walwa and Longwood, right across into the Mallee near Natimuk and Grass Flat, Castlemaine and Ravenswood, as well as fires scattered across Gippsland.
Leave now and take shelter emergency warnings are in place for many of these areas, with watch and act, stay informed warnings for others.
Firefighters from across Victoria, as well as interstate, will be kept busy overnight, with crews working around the clock to help save lives, homes and other assets.
More than 45 crews remain onsite at the Yarroweyah fire ground, 52 vehicles around Walwa, and crews with more than 150 vehicles at the Longwood fire. Thousands are spending the night away from their homes to help save others and for that, we say thank you.
There is plenty of smoke in the area in the Echuca-Moama area, with an air condition advice issued earlier in the evening. Take heed of the advice, especially if you have breathing issues.
Weather update
A severe weather warning for damaging winds has been issued for East Gippsland, North Central, West and South Gippsland and parts of Central, Northern Country and North East Forecast districts.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, gusty north-westerly winds have developed across the state, while a cool change is moving through the state has produced some thunderstorm activity.
Very hot temperatures in the north-westerly winds ahead of the change are increasing the risk for damaging wind gusts across the state during the afternoon and early evening.
Conditions have eased across the west of the state this evening, but the risk of damaging wind gusts is likely to persist over the alpine peaks until Saturday morning.
Updates will be available across the weekend. Stay safe, stay hydrated and keep cool.
UPDATE: 8.30pm
For those travelling to and from Melbourne, a stay informed notice has been issued for the Wallan and Beveridge area.
There is a grassfire near the Northern Hwy off-ramp from the Hume Fwy off-ramp between Wallan and Beveridge that is under control.
There is currently no threat to you, but you should stay informed and monitor conditions.
UPDATE: 7.30pm
Nathalia fire under control, Ravenswood South emergency warning
The grass fire north of Nathalia is now under control.
Fire crews remain on scene and will be for some time, but the threat to Nathalia is reduced.
Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.
***
An emergency warning has been issued for Elphinstone, Harcourt North, Metcalfe, Sedgwick, Sutton Grange.
There is a grass fire travelling from Fogarty Gap Rd, Ravenswood in an easterly direction, has crossed Calder Hwy and has impacted Mt Alexander that is not yet under control.
People at Elphinstone, Harcourt North, Metcalfe, Sedgwick and Sutton Grange should leave immediately.
When leaving the area, travel north towards Bendigo via the Sedgwick Rd or south towards Kyneton via the Sutton Grange Rd.
Elphinstone, Harcourt North, Metcalfe, Sedgwick and Sutton Grange could be impacted at any time. Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
People in the area should travel to relief centres located at Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre at 4 Victoria St, Kyneton, and Bendigo Showgrounds in North Bendigo, accessible by Holmes Rd or the home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
People in Mia Mia, Kimbolton and Lake Eppalock areas should stay informed. There is currently no threat to you by stay informed and monitor conditions.
UPDATE: 6.50pm
Air quality notice
An air quality community Information message has been issued for smoke across the entire state.
People might see or smell smoke in parts of Victoria, and smoke and ash from fires in the landscape may drift to far-reaching areas away from the fires.
There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required.
Your nose is an excellent smoke detector. If you can smell smoke, take the necessary precautions to protect your health. You can self-assess the air quality near you using https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/environmental-information/air-quality/smoke/smoke-your-health.
Take action to reduce your exposure to smoke and protect your health:
- Everyone should minimise the time spent in smoky conditions whenever practical to do so.
- People over 65, children 14 and younger, pregnant women and those with existing heart or lung conditions, should reduce prolonged or heavy physical activity. Where possible (and not under direct threat from fires), also limit the time spent outdoors and when indoors, close windows and doors. If there is a break in smoky conditions, open the windows and air out your home.
- Anyone with a heart or lung condition should take their medication as prescribed. People with asthma should follow their personal asthma action plan, continue to take preventer medication as prescribed and keep reliever medication on hand.
- If you or anyone in your care is worried about symptoms, seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24.
- Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest should seek urgent medical assistance and call 000.
UPDATE: 6.28pm
Katamatite told to evacuate immediately, seek relief at Shepparton Showgrounds
Residents in Katamatite are being urged to evacuate immediately as a fast-moving grassfire approaches the town.
The fire, which started at Yarroweyah, has moved from Muckatah in a south-easterly direction and is expected to reach Katamatite within two hours.
Firefighters have been unable to stop the blaze.
Authorities warn it will be too dangerous to stay, and this emergency warning replaces the Watch and Act issued earlier this evening.
People in Katamatite should leave now and head south towards Shepparton where a relief centre is open at the Shepparton Showgrounds on High St.
What to do:
Leave immediately and take pets, medications, your phone and charger.
- If you are away from home, do not return.
- If travelling, do not enter the area — make a U-turn and drive to safety.
- Smoke may reduce visibility; slow down and use headlights.
If you cannot leave, shelter indoors by closing all doors and windows, turning off cooling systems and staying in a room with two exits.
This warning is current until 7.30pm. After that time, evacuation may be life-threatening.
UPDATE: 6pm
Fires across the state continue
The Natimuk fire near Horsham had grown to 5000ha by 3.45pm, according to State Control Centre spokesman David Nugent.
A total of five ‘Watch and Act’, ‘Shelter Indoors Now’ and ‘Leave Immediately’ warnings are in place across the Natimuk, Wimmera and Horsham areas.
There are also fires raging near Skipton, with three emergency warnings currently in place and Mt Mercer, which has three emergency warnings across Meredith, Bamganie and Lethbridge.
There are also fires with emergency warnings in Mt Blackwood, the Castlemaine area and Mt Sarah, east of Mt Buller.
There is also a major fire in the north east corner of the state, which has nine emergency warnings including instructions to leave, evacuate and take shelter.
UPDATE: 5.45pm
Bamawm Extension Fire Brigade shares photo of Yarroweyah fire fleet
Earlier today, Bamawm Extension Fire Brigade shared a photo of of Strike Team 2070 — the team currently tackling the Yarroweyah fire.
They are joined by other Central North CFA units including from Torrumbarry, Kotta, Rochester, Pinegrove, Echuca, Echuca Village, Kyabram and Tongala.
There are more than 700 firefighters across the state fighting 40 active and out of control fires.
The Yarroweyah fire is being attended by 36 units.
The grassfire is now travelling from Muckatah in a south-easterly direction towards Katamatite.
For those in Katamatite, a ‘prepare to evacuate’ notice has been issued.
For those who you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you.
***
UPDATE: 5.20pm
Power outage affects Cobram, Muckatah, Yarroweyah residents
There is currently a power outage under investigation in Cobram, Muckatah and Yarroweyah.
Expected restoration time is 9pm.
An estimated 1154 people are affected by the power outage in Cobram, and an estimated 3777 are affected in Yarroweyah.
***
UPDATE: 5pm
Yarroweyah fire spreads
A Katamatite resident sent a footage of smoke from the Yarroweyah fire in the distance to the News at about 3pm.
Tongala, Kyabram, Echuca, Echuca Village, and Rochester CFA units were earlier deployed to stop the spread of a bushfire in Yarroweyah.
There is currently a Leave Immediately warning in place for Katamatite, Katunga, Muckatah, Naring, Yarroweyah, Yarroweyah South.
***
UPDATE: 3.55pm
‘Watch and Act’ notice issued for Nathalia residents as fire starts along Murray Valley Hwy
A ‘Watch and Act’ message has been issued for residents in Nathalia as a grass fire has become out of control.
Six CFA units are responding to the fire on Horners Rd, which started around 3.14pm today.
The grass fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction from Horners Rd towards Nathalia.
The alert advises residents in Nathalia to stay close to a building where they can shelter.
It advises people to monitor changes, including wind direction. Residents who are away from home should not return.
***
UPDATE: 3.45pm
Weather update (yes - it’s still hot)
The temperature has hit the predicted peak temperature for the region, sitting at an uncomfortable 43°C.
Many Campaspe residents are flocking to pools and water channels to stay cool, while others prefer the comfort of sitting in front of an air conditioner.
The heat is predicted to persist overnight, cooling to 30°C by midnight.
Tomorrow is looking to be a bit cooler, with a forecast high of 29°C and low of 12°C.
Winds will be westerly 20 to 30km/h tending southwesterly 20 to 25km/h by tomorrow night.
Campaspe service centres and libraries will all close within the next couple of hours, but pools will remain open throughout the evening.
Tips to stay cool in a heatwave
- Drinking water regularly, even before you feel thirsty.
- Look for signs of dehydration including thirst, light-headedness, dry mouth, tiredness, strong-smelling urine.
- Use air conditioning or a fan.
- Wear light and loose fitted clothing.
- Take cool showers.
- Close blinds or curtains to block heat from entering your home.
- Spend time in air-conditioned buildings.
- Avoid outdoor work or exercise and reschedule strenuous activities to a cooler time.
***
UPDATE: 3.04pm
Total Fire Ban declared for tomorrow as units continue to battle devastating fires
A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Saturday, January 10 following a disastrous day of fires across the state.
A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban.
While tomorrow’s conditions will be cooler than today, with temperatures only expected to reach 29 C in Echuca; however, warm, strong winds are predicted.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the Total Fire Ban was declared due to multiple active fires following today's catastrophic conditions.
“Firefighters are battling multiple fires across Victoria in difficult conditions today with Extreme heat and strong winds.” Jason said.
“Crews have been working hard this week and today to protect their communities. We’re asking Victorians to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration.”
***
UPDATE: 2.46pm
Leave immediately warning issued for Yarroweyah grassfire
CFA issued an Emergency Warning at 2.27pm for Katamatite, Katunga, Muckatah, Naring, Yarroweyah and Yarroweyah South, with authorities urging people in the area to leave immediately.
This replaces the earlier Watch and Act warning issued at 1.40pm.
A fast-moving grassfire is burning from the Murray Valley Hwy towards Muckatah and is not yet under control.
What to do:
- Leave now, before conditions become too dangerous.
- Take pets, medications, your phone and charger.
- Travel to family or friends outside the warning area.
- If you are south of Muckatah, head towards Katamatite or Shepparton.
- If you’re driving, do not enter the area—make a U-turn and drive to safety.
- Smoke may reduce visibility; slow down and use headlights.
Those unable to leave should shelter inside, closing all doors and windows and turning off cooling systems. Extreme heat can harm you before flames arrive.
UPDATE: 2.09pm
WATCH: Local CFA units join the fight in Yarroweyah
Tongala, Kyabram, Echuca, Echuca Village, and Rochester CFA units have been deployed to stop the spread of a bushfire in Yarroweyah this afternoon.
The grass fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction from Murray Valley Hwy along Benalla-Tocumwal Rd towards Macarther Rd.
As of 2pm, the bushfire was not under control.
A ‘Watch and Act, Stay Near Shelter’ message has been issued for residents in Cobram, Katamatite, Katunga, Muckatah, Naring, Yarroweyah, and Yarroweyah South.
If the situation changes you will need to leave quickly:
- Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
Residents are urged to monitor changes, including increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility that indicates the situation is changing.
Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
***
UPDATE: noon
Echuca west fire declared safe, crews remain
The grass fire on Echuca-Mitiamo Rd at Echuca west has been declared safe.
As per VicEmergency, five CFA units remain monitoring the scene.
The advice notice is still in place, advising community members to be aware that smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.
***
UPDATE: 11.15am
Grass fire on Echuca-Mitiamo Rd
Emergency services are responding to a fire on Echuca-Mitiamo Rd, Echuca West, which started this morning.
Ten CFA units are on the scene tackling the grass fire, with crews working to contain the blaze since it started at 10.53am near the corner of Restdown Rd.
While crews are still working to bring the fire under control, it remains classified as ‘small’ on the VicEmergency app.
The fire is travelling from Echuca West in a southerly direction, with smoke is visible from the district.
Community members have been advised there is currently no immediate threat, but residents should stay informed and continue monitoring conditions.
***
UPDATE: 11am
Moama RFS crew heading to Longwood fire
Moama RFS has deployed a crew of four volunteers to battle the devastating Longwood fire threatening communities.
This morning, the Moama RFS announced on its Facebook page that a crew departed from Moama headed to Longwood to help fight the ongoing blaze.
AAP has reported that multiple family homes and a local school have been destroyed in the out-of-control bushfires, leaving communities devastated.
Moama Fire Brigade extended a thank you to the RFS volunteers who had given up their time to assist other areas in need.
“We also extend a big thank you to those staying home to ensure their own communities remain protected if required,” the message read.
“Thank you to the families who are without their loved ones, and to the workplaces that support and allow their staff to leave and help when needed.”
V/Line suspends all services across Catastrophic Fire Danger districts
V/Line has cancelled all train and coach services throughout the Campaspe region on Friday, January 9, due to extreme fire conditions.
No scheduled coach or replacement coach services will operate, including in Echuca, Bendigo and Shepparton.
Passengers are advised to stay up to date by checking the V/Line website or mobile app.
For information about service cancellations, click here: go.vline.com.au/4sNaftl
Pools and dams help fight fires, Echuca Fire Brigade
Echuca Fire Brigade has urged residents with dams and pools to help out fire volunteers by putting an A3 sign on their front gates with either ‘Pool’ or ‘Dam’ written on it.
This helps fire crews quickly access water to refill their trucks when fighting bushfires in areas where water supplies are limited.
Fire trucks need to be positioned close to these water sources to effectively pump water, making clear signage crucial for emergency response.
***
UPDATE: 10am
A statewide Total Fire Ban has been declared for Victoria today with Catastrophic Fire Danger ratings forecast for the South West, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central and Extreme Fire Danger in all other areas.
Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-40s, with strong gusts of winds of 30 to 50km/h expected, as well as a chance of thunderstorms in some parts of the state.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the safest place to be was away from high-risk areas such as campsites, parks and forests.
“Be prepared for fire, monitor conditions and know where to get information so you can make good decisions about your safety,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Don’t wait for an official warning before you leave, fires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes.
“Do not plan to defend your home on Catastrophic Fire Danger days — even well-prepared homes cannot withstand these conditions, and we may not be able to reach you.”
What to do on a Catastrophic Fire Danger day
- You won’t always receive a warning or be told what to do if a fire starts. Don’t wait and see — it’s up to you to be prepared. Know what to do and take action.
- You should never wait to receive an official warning before you leave. Emergencies can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes. Leave bushfire risk areas early in the morning or the night before.
- Be prepared for fire, monitor conditions, and know where to get information so you can make good decisions about your safety.
- If you get caught out during a fire, know where your last resort options are, including Neighbourhood Safer Places and designated Community Fire Refuges. These are places of last resort when all other bushfire plans have failed.
- They may protect you and your family from direct flame and radiant heat, but they do not guarantee safety.
Girgarre Moosic Muster festival cancelled
The Girgarre Moosic Muster, scheduled to take place on January 7 to 11 was cancelled on Thursday, January 8 to prioritise community and volunteer safety.
Organiser Jan Smith broke the news to the attendees on Thursday, January 8.
She said it was a difficult decision to make, but one made supporting the local CFA volunteers, the festival volunteers and the wider community.
Changes to Campaspe Shire Council services
Campaspe Shire Council has announced various service updates to pools, libraries, childcare centres and community-led events in response to the Catastrophic Fire Danger for Friday, January 9.
Service centres and libraries will remain open; however, all library activities and events have been cancelled for the day.
Open hours for service centres and libraries include:
- Echuca library: 10am to 5:30pm
- Rochester service centre and library: 8:30am to 4:30pm
- Kyabram service centre and library: 8:30am to 5pm
- Rushworth service centre and library: 8.30am to 4.30pm
- Tongala service centre and library: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Outdoor pools and the Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre will be open, with measures in place to keep pool staff safe.
Operations of the pools can be reviewed at any time if it is deemed to be unsafe to remain open.
Campaspe Animal Services will be closed to the public all day, but will be staffed for care of animals.
Campaspe Community Childcare Centre and Rochester Early Learning will be closed on Friday in line with council’s Service Delivery Plan for days declared as Catastrophic Fire Danger.
All maternal and child health services will be delivered via telephone only, with no centre or home visits taking place. Face-to-face appointments will be rescheduled.
Scenic Drive Trail is closed on days of Catastrophic and Extreme Fire Danger in Northern Country district.
More to come.