More than 30 fires are burning across Victoria as authorities warn conditions remain dangerous and fast-changing, with emergency warnings still in place for several regions and major transport routes only gradually reopening.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Victoria and is expected to visit a bushfire control centre alongside Premier Jacinta Allan on Sunday morning, as firefighting efforts continue across multiple fronts and affected communities wait for clearance to return home.
Premier Allan said overnight that “here are more than 30 active fires burning across Victoria right now,” with emergency warnings still in place “including for Walwa, the Otways and Longwood.” She warned that the situation remained volatile, saying: “These are serious fires. They are dangerous. And they can change fast.”
A total fire ban is again in force statewide, a restriction the Premier said applied to everyone. “That means all of us. Don’t risk it.”
Fire danger ratings remain high across large parts of northern Victoria, including the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central and North East districts, with authorities warning that any new fires in these areas could be difficult to contain.
Smoke from ongoing fires is also affecting air quality across much of the state, including metropolitan Melbourne. “Bushfire smoke is impacting air quality in many areas across Victoria, including metropolitan Melbourne,” the Premier said, urging residents to monitor conditions closely. “Make sure to stay informed and keep up to date with air quality conditions in your area at http://epa.vic.gov.au/check-air-and-water-quality.”
Thousands of firefighters remain deployed across Victoria, supported by interstate crews and aerial resources. “Thousands of firefighters are on the ground—backed by interstate crews and more than 70 aircraft—working around the clock to protect lives, defend homes and bring fires under control,” the Premier said.
While some residents have been allowed to return to their properties, authorities continue to stress that conditions vary by location. “Some people are returning home where it has been deemed safe,” the Premier said, while warning others: “Please do not return home until you are instructed that it is safe to do so.”
Victorians have been urged to remain alert and rely on official sources for updates. “Remain alert and keep up-to-date via the VicEmergency website and app, and emergency broadcasters including ABC local radio,” the Premier said.
Road access across the state remains uneven. In north-central Victoria, the Hume Freeway reopened on Saturday afternoon after being closed between Seymour and Violet Town. However, large sections of the Murray Valley and Goulburn Highways in northern Victoria remain closed, along with a section of the Wimmera Highway in the west.
Interstate support continues to arrive, with South Australia deploying emergency personnel to assist Victorian crews. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said “More than 100 South Australian emergency service personnel and volunteers are heading to Victoria to support communities facing dangerous and fast-moving bushfires.”
Around 150 staff and volunteers from the CFS, MFS, SES, SA Ambulance Service, Department for Environment and Water, and Fraser Fire and Rescue are deploying to assist with frontline firefighting, incident management, planning and logistics.
Acknowledging the personal cost of the deployment, the South Australian Premier said: “Many are volunteers. Many are giving up precious time with their families. All are stepping forward because that’s who they are.”
He described the response as part of a long-standing commitment between states. “South Australia has a long and proud tradition of standing shoulder to shoulder with other states in times of crisis. When communities are under threat, we help each other, that’s the Australian way.”
“To every firefighter, paramedic, volunteer and support officer deploying: thank you. We deeply appreciate your service, your courage and your professionalism. You carry with you the gratitude of all South Australians.”
“Our thoughts are also with your families and loved ones while you are away. We know the sacrifice they make too.”
“Most importantly, we want every one of you to stay safe and return home safely. We are incredibly proud of you, and we stand firmly behind you as you support Victorians through this difficult time.”
Public transport disruptions continue across regional Victoria, particularly on rail lines affected by fire damage and uncertain track conditions. Trains on the Albury Line are scheduled to resume on Sunday, 11 January, following clearance from emergency services to operate through fire-affected areas in the state’s north-east
Public transport disruptions continue across regional Victoria, particularly on rail lines affected by fire damage and uncertain track conditions. Trains on the Albury Line are scheduled to resume on Sunday, 11 January, following clearance from emergency services to operate through fire-affected areas in the state’s north-east.
However, early morning services will remain limited, with the 6.45am Albury to Southern Cross service and the 7.07am Southern Cross to Albury service replaced by reduced coach services due to trains and staff being out of position. Rail services are expected to resume after these early services.
Significant disruption remains on other regional lines. Services on the Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines are expected to be “significantly impacted,” with passengers advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
Trains remain suspended on the Bendigo Line, with limited coach replacements operating between Kyneton and Southern Cross. The Swan Hill Line also remains suspended, with a small number of replacement coaches running between Swan Hill and Southern Cross via Kerang and Pyramid. Trains on the Echuca Line remain suspended, with no replacement coaches available.
Rail authorities say trains cannot yet operate due to potential fire damage between Bendigo and Castlemaine. Once crews are cleared to access the site, inspections and repairs will begin as quickly and safely as possible.
Passengers are advised to check the V/Line website or mobile app before travelling and to remain informed via the VicEmergency website and app as conditions continue to evolve.
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