Longwood bushfire could spread in catastrophic conditions

Catastrophic and Extreme Fire conditions have been forecast across the state.

The attached map shows the potential impact areas of the fires in the next 24 hours.

The fires shown in these maps are currently burning in the grey area displayed.

Emergency services are concerned about conditions forecast for Friday, January 9 and the potential for the fires to spread significantly.

People under the warning area of the Longwood fire should leave the area immediately, in line with the warnings issued on VicEmergency.

This represents the potential spread of fire in a worst-case scenario.

If you are in the wider risk area identified in the map, you must activate your bushfire survival plan. Leaving early is always the safest option to protect your life.

The Longwood fire is incredibly dynamic, with the fire spreading in multiple directions. There are multiple possibilities for which way the fire could travel.

Communities that could be impacted by fire front or embers in the next 24 hours include Creightons Creek, Strathbogie, Merton, Yarck, Molesworth, Alexandra and surrounds.

Communities in these areas are urged to leave early, tonight, January 8 or no later than 7am on January 9.

Be sure to let your family and friends know where you are going or use Register.Find.Reunite to ensure that emergency services know you’re safe.

Avoid any travel through bushland areas where possible.

It is vital to take action to protect your life. Your life may depend on the decisions you make.

Fire safety is a shared responsibility.

Victorians are reminded to never rely on one channel for emergency information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including: