Source: VIC Emergency

Issued Today at 11:50 AM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Abbeyard, Arbuckle, Billabong, Black Snake Creek, Blomford, Briagolong, Budgee Budgee, Castleburn, Cobbannah, Cowa, Crooked River, Dargo, Gibbs, Glenaladale, Grant, Hawkhurst, Hogtown, Howitt Plains, Howittville, Hunter Corner, Iguana Creek, Maguires, Miowera, Moornapa, Moroka, Naarun, Peter the Swede, Selwyn, Shepherdson, Talbotville, Toolome, Treasure, Treasures, Valencia Creek, Waterford, Winchester, Wongungarra, Wonnangatta, Woolenook, Wrathung.

There is a bushfire at Mt Darling - Cynthia Range (Dargo Complex) that is not yet under control.

Weather conditions have changed, fire spread has slowed but is still active.

The fire is travelling in a north-easterly direction

Emergency Services, Machinery and Aircraft are operating in the area.

This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act issued at 8:07pm Saturday 10th January.

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:
Bairnsdale Dargo Road at the Beverleys road junction
Freestone Creek Road at Coopers Road
Dargo High Plains Road between Dargo and Great Alpine Road
Marathon Road
The following Parks/Areas are closed to the public:
Blue Pool on Freestone Creek Road is Closed
The Alpine National Park north of Briagolong, East of Arbuckle Junction and Mount Howitt, west of Dargo including the Wonnangatta, and south of Abbeyard, west of the Great Alpine Rd to Lake Cobbler is Closed.
The Mitchell River National Park is Closed
Areas of State Forest are also Closed
Emergency Services, Machinery and Aircraft are operating in the area.
Smoke will be visible from nearby communities and roads.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 12/01/2026 01:00 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)
ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/alpine-national-park#change-of-conditions
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