This ‘Stay Informed’ advice message is being issued for Mangalore, Mangalore West, Mitchellstown, Nagambie, Northwood, Tabilk.
There is a grassfire at Mitchellstown Rd, Tabilk that is under control.
This Advice message replaces the Watch and Act - Stay Near Shelter message issued at 4.56pm 7 January, 2026.
There is currently no threat to you, but you should stay informed and monitor conditions.
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A warning to stay near shelter has been issued for a fire burning near Tabilk.
Firefighters were called to the grass and scrub fire in paddocks along Mitchellstown Rd about 2.22pm.
A State Control Centre spokesperson said at 3.10pm flames are reaching 2m high and the fire was not yet under control.
More than 25 fire trucks and air support aircraft are fighting the fire, which is heading in a southerly direction.
Twenty-eight hectares had been burnt by 3.10pm.
VicEmergency has issued a ‘watch and act’ alert has been issued for Avenel, Mangalore, Mangalore West, Mitchellstown, Nagambie, Northwood, Puckapunyal and Tabilk for people to stay near shelter.
The alert said firefighters had been able to slow the spread of the fire for now, but this could change at any time and the situation was still dangerous.
People in the area must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
They should stay close to a building where they can shelter, as conditions can change suddenly.
What you should do:
- Monitor changes, including increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility that indicates the situation is changing.
- If you are away from home, do not return.
If the situation changes, you will need to leave quickly. Plan to:
- Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.
- If you're in a car and become caught in a grassfire, don't get out and run.
Stay informed using the VicEmergency app, online at www.emergency.vic.gov.au or on the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226, or tune in to ABC local radio.
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