Source: VIC Emergency

Watch and Act - Grass Fire - Monitor Conditions As They Are Changing

Issued Today at 8:18 AM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Elphinstone, Harcourt, Harcourt North, Metcalfe, Ravenswood, Ravenswood South, Redesdale, Sedgwick, Sutton Grange, Walmer.
There is a grassfire that started from Fogarty Gap Road, Ravenswood South that is not yet under control.
The spread of fire has slowed and is travelling in a north easterly direction, but this can change at any time and the situation is still dangerous. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
It is not safe to return.
The fire crossed Calder Highway, impacted Harcourt, and has impacted Mount Alexander and areas to the east.
This Watch and Act message replaces the Emergency Warnings issued at 11:40pm Friday, 9 January 2026.
The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
What you should do:
Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
Enact your fire survival plan.
If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.
If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Protect yourself and your family.
Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe. Remember to:
Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
Many people have died trying to leave at the last minute during fires.
Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
Impacts in your area:
The following roads are closed:
Intersection of Axe Creek Road to Patons Road
Intersection of Sutton Grange Road and Sedgwick Road
Forgarty Gap Road between Calder Freeway and Walmer Road
Intersection of Midland Highway and Mary Road
Intersection of Malmsbury Road and Pyrenees Highway
Intersection of Bendigo-Sutton Grange Road and Gate Road
Intersection of Sutton Grange-Redesdale Road and Racecourse Road.

Check the VicTraffic website (www.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.

The fire has impacted communication towers on Mount Alexander which has impacted radio broadcasting and free to air TV. Phoenix FM (106.7) are now providing emergency broadcasting for the ABC.
Grassfires can generate extreme heat.
Grassfires can start and spread quickly, and are extremely dangerous.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.

The next update is expected by 10/01/2026 01:20 pm 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)
Tune in to 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 Hotline 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 on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.

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