Source: VIC Emergency

Watch and Act - Bushfire - Prepare to Leave

Issued Today at 4:58 PM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Angusvale, Cobbannah, Dargo, Iguana Creek, Jones, Marthavale, Merrijig, Ryans, Selwyn, Tabberabbera, The Swamp, Wentworth, White Timber, Wongungarra.
It is strongly recommended you Prepare to Leave.
There is a bushfire at Mt Darling - Cynthia Range (Dargo Complex). The bushfire is not yet under control.
The bushfire is travelling from Wentworth Dargo Divide in a south-easterly direction towards the warning area.
Embers may start small fires ahead of the main fire.
This Watch and Act message replaces the Watch and Act message issued at 12:28pm.
Prepare to Leave immediately. Leave as soon as you are ready, as roads will become busy as people leave.
What you should do:
Tourists and visitors are advised to pack quickly and leave the area immediately.
Monitor the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can mean the situation is worsening.
Protect yourself and your family.
If you are not prepared, leave now. Don't wait until it is too late - leave early.
If you are away from home, do not return.
If you are leaving, pack:
Cash
Clothing for three days
Medicine for three days
Phone and chargers
Toiletries
Important documents
Meaningful items and photos
Pet essentials, including leash and carriers.
Check on your neighbours if it is safe.

Check the VicTraffic website for road closures.

Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe.

Where to go:
Friends or family away from the fire.
Consider roads may become busy closer to the time of impact.

Impacts in your area:
Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.
Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
Bushfires can start spot fires and embers can travel large distances ahead of the main fire.
Community Meeting:
A community meeting will be held at the Dargo Public Hall and Recreation Reserve - 177 Lind Avenue Dargo Vic 3862 on Sunday 11th January 2026 at 11:00am.

This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 11/01/2026 11:00 am or as the situation changes.

Use multiple sources to stay informed:
www.emergency.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226
VicEmergency app
Facebook or Twitter (#VicFires)
ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
For 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.

CFA Current Bushfires