Type Status Location Last Updated
Emergency Warning - Fire - Take Shelter Now Extreme Christmas Hills, Panton Hill, Smiths Gully Last Tuesday at 1:03 PM
This Emergency Warning is being issued for Smiths Gully.
  • There is a bushfire at Smiths Gully that is [status].
  • The bushfire is travelling from Smith Gully in a south-easterly direction towards Panton Hills and Christmas Hills. The fire started near Smiths Gully road at Smiths Gully in Smiths Gully.
  • The fire started north of Smiths Gully Rd.  
  • This fire is threatening homes and lives.
  • It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now. 
  • If you have not already left, the time to safely evacuate has now passed. Take shelter indoors immediately. It is now too dangerous to leave.
  •  A wind change is expected between 7 - 9pm, which will cause the fire to change directions towards Yarra Glen and Dixons Creek areas. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. 

The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.
What you should do: 

You should move indoors:

  • Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from pure cotton or wool. Wear leather boots.
  • Bring your pets inside.
  • Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and 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:

  • Move away from the rooms that are on fire, closing doors behind you.
  • As soon as the bushfire has passed the house, or conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt. Staying inside a burning building will almost certainly end in death.
  • It may still be too hot to remain outside, so you will need to seek shelter in another structure or last resort option.

If you cannot get indoors, 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 travelling:

  • If you are travelling, do not enter the warning area. U-turn to safety.
  • If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.

If you are caught in fire in your car:

  • Park behind a solid structure to block the fire's heat or pull over to 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 03:10 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.