Two large bushfires burning in Victoria have forced emergency evacuations across several northern towns, as authorities warn conditions could be the most dangerous since the Black Summer fires. Near Longwood, residents in Avenel, Longwood, Ruffy and Tarcombe were ordered to leave immediately, while another fire burning in Mt Lawson State Park is threatening the communities of Granya and Thologolong.
The Hume Freeway has been closed between Violet Town and Avenel, and a total fire ban has been imposed across northern Victoria. Around 450 schools and childcare centres will remain closed on Friday.
Longwood Fire Emergency Evacuations
Emergency warnings spread quickly across northern Victoria on Thursday morning as the CFA ordered residents in several towns to leave immediately. Communities including Avenel, Longwood, Longwood East, Ruffy, Tarcombe and Upton Hill were told to evacuate as a fire pushed closer. The fire moved southeast toward Ruffy and advanced toward the Hume Freeway, prompting authorities to urge people to evacuate to Seymour and avoid travelling north.
A second warning followed for residents in Ruffy, Tarcombe, Dropmore, Caveat and Terip Terip, with officials advising them to leave immediately and head to Seymour or Yea. In parts of Locksley and Longwood East, conditions deteriorated so rapidly that it was deemed too late to evacuate, and some residents were told to shelter in place.
The Hume Freeway was closed between Violet Town and Avenel, while nearby local roads remained open. Authorities warned that fire activity was likely to intensify as the day progressed.
Mt Lawson State Park Blaze
Fire crews are continuing to battle the Walwa fire in Mt Lawson State Park, where about 2,000 hectares have already been burned. The fire is moving south toward the communities of Thologolong and Bungil.
Authorities have issued a Watch and Act warning for several nearby towns, including Granya, Bungil, Bullioh, Koetong and Lucyvale, urging residents to stay alert as conditions change.
More than 300 firefighters, supported by 12 aircraft and crews from the NSW Rural Fire Service, are working to contain the blaze. An earlier emergency warning has been downgraded, but officials say the risk remains. Residents have been advised to stay informed and be ready to act if conditions worsen.
Catastrophic Conditions Friday
Victoria is bracing for an extreme fire day, with catastrophic fire danger declared across large parts of the state, including the South West, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central regions. Elsewhere, conditions are expected to remain extreme or high.
Total fire bans have been imposed across multiple districts, with a statewide ban coming into force on Friday. Forecasts show temperatures climbing above 40°C, combined with strong winds of up to 50 km/h, conditions that fire authorities say are ideal for fast-moving and unpredictable fires.
As a precaution, about 450 schools and childcare centres across northern Victoria will be closed. Emergency services are urging people in high-risk areas to leave the night before, warning the state may face its most dangerous fire conditions since the Black Summer disaster.
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