Source: VIC Emergency

Watch and Act - Bushfire - Not Safe to Return

Issued Today at 9:06 AM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Bucheen Creek, Cravensville and parts of the southern end of the Nariel Valley and surrounds.

It is Not Safe to Return to Bucheen Creek, Cravensville and parts of the southern end of the Nariel Valley and surrounds.

There is a bushfire that started 27km West Of Walwa is not yet under control.

The fire started in the Mt Lawson State Park on the 5th January and has spread through to the Wabba Wilderness Area.
The immediate fire threat has reduced. However, over the coming days storms with possible lightning have been forecast.
Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.
This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act issued 28 January at 12:02pm.
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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.
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.
Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.
Monitor air quality and take precautions to protect your health by visiting https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/
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.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 30/01/2026 10:00 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. 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.

CFA Current Bushfires