Source: VIC Emergency

Watch and Act - Bushfire - Monitor Conditions As They Are Changing

Issued Today at 1:06 PM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Biggara, Thowgla Valley, Tom Groggin, Towong Upper and surrounding areas..
The bushfire that started 25Km West Of Walwa is not yet under control.
The fire started in the Mt Lawson State Park on the 5th January and has spread through to the Nariel Valley and Tallangatta Valley.
Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act issued at 2.20pm on Wednesday.

Access the latest Community Newsletter HERE
The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
What you should do:
Monitor weather conditions and changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
Enact your fire survival plan.
If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.
Have a clear trigger on when you will leave and know your travel route.
If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Protect yourself and your family.
If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.
Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe.
Remember to:
Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
Many people have died trying to leave at the last minute during fires.
Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
Impacts in your area:
The weather this weekend is expected to be hot with a chance of thunderstorms.
Emergency services, machinery and aircraft will remain in the area.
Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.
Monitor air quality and take precautions to protect your health by visiting https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/
For localised mental health support please contact Albury Wodonga Health Mental Health Triage Line on 1300 104 211
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.

Public Land and Recreation Closures:
Public land including National Parks and State Forest areas are closed due to ongoing fire activity. While conditions are unsafe for activities such as camping and hiking in forested areas, there are still many towns to visit and experiences to enjoy safely across the region.

For information about private caravan parks or other private sites, including their opening hours, please contact the business owner directly.

For a detailed list of National Parks and public land closures visit:
Forest Fire Management: ffm.vic.gov.au
Parks Victoria: www.parks.vic.gov.au
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 23/01/2026 02:10 pm or as the situation changes.

Use multiple sources to stay informed:
www.emergency.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226
VicEmergency app
Facebook or Twitter (#VicFires)
ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
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 for assistance and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.

CFA Current Bushfires