Type Status Location Last Updated
Watch and Act - Fire - Evacuate Immediately Moderate Angusvale, Black Snake Creek, Budgee Budgee, Castleburn, Cowa, Crooked River, Dargo, Gibbs, Grant, Hawkhurst, Howittville, Jones, Maguires, Miowera, Peter the Swede, Tabberabbera, The Swamp, Treasure, Waterford, Winchester, Wongungarra, Talbotville, Hogtown, Cobbannah, Marthavale, Merrijig, Ryans 26/01/2026
This Watch and Act message to Evacuate Immediately is being issued for Angusvale, Black Snake Creek, Budgee Budgee, Castleburn, Cobbannah, Cowa, Crooked River, Dargo, Gibbs, Grant, Hawkhurst, Howittville, Jones, Maguires, Marthavale, Merrijig, Miowera, Peter the Swede, Ryans, Tabberabbera, The Swamp, Treasure, Waterford, Winchester, Wongungarra, Talbotville, Hogtown.
  • There is a bushfire at Dargo Wonnangatta Complex that is out of control.
  • This fire is travelling from Riley's Hut in a south-easterly direction towards Dargo.
  • The fire is expected to impact Dargo at midday on Wednesday 28 January 2026 and it will be too dangerous to stay.
  • For your safety and to help emergency services, you need to evacuate.
If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you.
If you are located in Dargo, it is recommended you evacuate immediately and move to a safer location away from the fire.
What you should do:
It is recommended you evacuate immediately to ensure you get to safety. Evacuation after midday on Wednesday 27 January may be considered life threatening.

Evacuate Immediately:
  • Gather essential possessions and evacuate with all members of your household.
  • When you leave remember to take your pets, mobile phone and charger.
  • If you are away from home, do not return.

Travel to a safer location. Options include:
  • Relief centres which are open at Bairnsdale and Sale.
  • The home of family or friends away from the warning area.
  • If you evacuate to a family member or friend's house you should register with [online (if activated) / at an evacuation centre] to help others find you.
Residents in Dargo should leave via Bairnsdale-Dargo Road and head towards either Bairnsdale or Sale.

In the car:
  • If you are travelling, do not enter the area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety.
  • Slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see. need to fix this for times
Impacts in your area:
  • The following road is closed: Dargo High Plains Road.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.

The next update is expected by 27/01/2026 04:10 pm or as the situation changes.

Use multiple sources to stay informed:

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 on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.