Type Status Location Last Updated
Emergency Warning - Fire - Leave Immediately Extreme Rob Roy, Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills, Panton Hill, Smiths Gully, Watsons Creek Last Tuesday at 12:35 PM
This Emergency Warning is being issued for Christmas Hills, Panton Hill, Rob Roy, Smiths Gully, Watsons Creek, Kangaroo Ground.

  • There is a bushfire at Smiths Gully that is not yet under control.
  • The bushfire is travelling from Smiths Gully in a south-easterly direction towards Sugerloaf Reservoir area. The fire started near Smiths Gully Rd in Smiths Gully.
  • Areas between Smiths Gully and Sugerloaf Reservoir could be impacted anytime within the next 30-60 minutes.
Leaving now is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous. 

Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
What you should do:

Travel to:
  • The home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
  • You should leave using Eltham Yarraglen Rd and head towards Kangaroo Ground or Yarrglen.
  • When you leave remember to take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.

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.

If you are unable to leave you should shelter indoors:
  • Close all exterior doors, windows and vents. Turn off cooling systems. 
  •  You must take shelter before the fire arrives. The extreme heat is likely to kill you well before the flames reach you. 
  •  Shelter in a room that has two exits, such as a door or window including one directly to the outside. It is important to be able to see outside so you know what is happening with the fire.
  • If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.

If you cannot get indoors, other last resort options include:
  • Shelter in the middle of a large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve. 
  • Get into a large body of water like a dam, lake, river, the ocean or inground pool.
  • Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.

If you are caught in fire in your car:
  • Park behind a solid structure to block the fire's heat or pull over to a cleared area.
  • Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
  • Turn on your hazard lights and headlights.
  • Close all windows. 
  • Turn off the air-conditioning and shut all the air vents.
  • Turn your car engine off.
  • Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a pure woollen blanket.
Impacts in your area: 
The following roads are closed: 
  • Smiths Gully Rd between Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd and Salters Rush Rd
  • Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd between Ridge Rd and One Tree Hill Rd
  • Traffic management points at Calwell Rd/Henly Rd and Skyline Rd/Wendy Rd 
  • Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
This message was issued by Fire Rescue Victoria.

The next update is expected by 12/05/2026 02:40 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.