Type Status Location Last Updated
Watch and Act - Fire - Prepare to Evacuate Moderate Cassilis, Cowa, Crooked River, Dogs Grave, Gibbs, Grant, Hawkhurst, Hogtown, Howittville, Naarun, Omeo, Peter the Swede, Shanahan, Shepherdson, Strobridge, Talbotville, Tongio, Tongio Munjie, Tongio West, Treasure, Wentworth, White Timber, Winchester, Wongungarra, Bindi, Brookville, Cobungra, Dargo, Hotham Heights, Miowera, Selwyn, Swifts Creek 01/02/2026
This Watch and Act message is being issued for Bindi, Brookville, Cassilis, Cobungra, Cowa, Crooked River, Dargo, Dogs Grave, Gibbs, Grant, Hawkhurst, Hogtown, Hotham Heights, Howittville, Miowera, Naarun, Omeo, Peter the Swede, Selwyn, Shanahan, Shepherdson, Strobridge, Swifts Creek, Talbotville, Tongio, Tongio Munjie, Tongio West, Treasure, Wentworth, White Timber, Winchester, Wongungarra.
  • It is strongly recommended that you Prepare to Evacuate.
  • There is a bushfire at Pete the Swede. The bushfire is out of control.
  • The bushfire is travelling from Hogstown towards Pete the Swede.
  • The fire is expected to impact Pete the Swede at 4 February 2PM.
  • If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you. 


Prepare to evacuate immediately. Leave as soon as you are ready, as roads will become busy as people leave.
What you should do:

How to evacuate:

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 VicRoads website for road closures.

Do not enter [Crooked River]. You will place yourself in danger.

Leave immediately when you are ready. Don’t wait to be told when to leave.

Tourists and visitors must pack quickly and leave the area immediately. It is too dangerous to stay at holiday locations. Roads will become busy when residents evacuate after packing their belongings.

Where to go:
  • Friends or family away from the fire.
Directions and routes:
  • The safest evacuation route is High Plains Road.
  • Consider roads may become busy closer to the time of impact.
Transport:
  • The following transport options are available: Vehicle.
Evacuation assistance:
  • If you need assistance to evacuate, call 000.
Impacts in your area:

Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.

Trees can be extremely hazardous during a bushfire or high winds. Avoid standing, parking or travelling in areas of fire affected trees.

Embers are being carried by the wind large distances ahead of the main fire and starting small fires.

Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.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 01/02/2026 12:00 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.
  • 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 on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.