State faces ‘catastrophic’ conditions; fires continue to burn at Longwood, Thologolong; mercury set to reach 40 degrees

by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Residents across Victoria are being urged to stay vigilant as catastrophic and extreme bushfire conditions threaten to worsen existing blazes. Two major fires are currently burning, one in the Longwood area and another near Walwa.

Longwood Fire Warnings

Leave Immediately

Residents in Cathkin, Caveat, Ghin Ghin, Highlands, Kanumbra, Killingworth, Koriella, Limestone, Molesworth, Whanregarwen, Yarck, Ancona, Fawcett, Gooram, Merton, Strathbogie, Strathbogie South, and Woodfield are under an immediate evacuation order.

Prepare to Leave

Those in Acheron, Limestone, Taggerty, Whanregarwen, Yea, Alexandra, Devils River, Fawcett, Lake Eildon, Maintongoon, Barjarg, Bonnie Doon, Creek Junction, Dry Creek, Maindample, Mansfield, Tallangallook, and Too-rour have been advised to prepare to leave.

Take Shelter Now

Residents in Caveat, Creightons Creek, Dropmore, Gobur, Gooram, Highlands, Kanumbra, Kelvin View, Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Ruffy, Strathbogie, Tarcombe, Terip Terip, and Upton Hill are being told it is too late to leave and they must take shelter immediately.

Watch and Act

A Watch and Act warning is in place for Acheron, Limestone, Taggerty, Whanregarwen, and Yea.

Walwa Fire Warnings

Leave Immediately

Residents in Bungil, Walwa, Cudgewa and surrounds, Koetong, Colac Colac, and Nariel Valley and surrounds are under an immediate evacuation order.

Watch and Act

A Watch and Act warning is in place for Biggara, Corryong, Tintaldra, Tom Groggin, Towong, and Towong Upper.

Stay Informed

Residents in Bellbridge, Bethanga, Bullhead Creek, Bullioh, Charleroi, Dartmouth, Ebden, Eskdale, Fairyknowe, Fernvale, Georges Creek, Granite Flat, Huon, Jarvis Creek, Little Snowy Creek, Mitta Mitta, Noorongong, Old Tallangatta, Penny Flat, Sandy Creek, Talgarno, Tallandoon, Tallangatta, Tallangatta East, Tallangatta South, Tallangatta Valley, Tom Groggin, and Yabba are advised to stay informed.

Did You Know? The warnings detail specific locations under threat from two major fires currently burning in Victoria: one near Longwood and another near Walwa.
Expert Insight: The tiered warning system – from “Leave Immediately” to “Stay Informed” – reflects the escalating risk posed by these fires. This approach allows authorities to prioritize evacuations and resource allocation based on the immediate threat level to different communities. It’s a critical strategy for managing a rapidly evolving emergency.

The situation is dynamic, and conditions could change rapidly. Residents in affected areas should stay informed and heed all warnings issued by emergency services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas are under an immediate evacuation order due to the Longwood fire?

Cathkin, Caveat, Ghin Ghin, Highlands, Kanumbra, Killingworth, Koriella, Limestone, Molesworth, Whanregarwen, Yarck, Ancona, Fawcett, Gooram, Merton, Strathbogie, Strathbogie South, and Woodfield are currently under an immediate evacuation order.

What does a “Watch and Act” warning mean?

A “Watch and Act” warning means that a bushfire is approaching and conditions are changing. Residents in these areas should monitor the situation closely and be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen.

Which areas are currently under a “Stay Informed” warning related to the Walwa fire?

Bellbridge, Bethanga, Bullhead Creek, Bullioh, Charleroi, Dartmouth, Ebden, Eskdale, Fairyknowe, Fernvale, Georges Creek, Granite Flat, Huon, Jarvis Creek, Little Snowy Creek, Mitta Mitta, Noorongong, Old Tallangatta, Penny Flat, Sandy Creek, Talgarno, Tallandoon, Tallangatta, Tallangatta East, Tallangatta South, Tallangatta Valley, Tom Groggin, and Yabba are under a “Stay Informed” warning.

How will you ensure you and your loved ones are prepared and informed during these challenging conditions?

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