The Dargo complex of fires in East Gippsland remains active, with emergency services warning residents to stay vigilant despite cooler weather over the past few days. Firefighters have reported continuous activity, particularly in remote terrain north of Dargo, where challenging conditions continue to dictate fire behaviour.
The fire, which has already mobilised dozens of CFA brigades, strike teams, specialist units, aircraft, and heavy machinery, has prompted an ongoing and intensive response. Crews are concentrating on protecting infrastructure and private property, with control lines being constructed near Dargo and Waterford. Hazard tree assessments are also underway wherever safe access allows, helping authorities gauge ongoing impacts.
Aircraft continue to focus on the southern edge of the fire near Castleburn, while a priority remains the Collins Flat fire, located approximately 15 kilometres north-east of the main blaze. Due to the remoteness of this area, firefighting efforts are being coordinated with a mix of aerial support, ground crews, and machinery.
The presence of volunteer crews from across Gippsland has been bolstered by firefighters from Western Australia, who are splitting their time between the Dargo and Heyfield Incident Control Centres, providing crucial relief to local staff.
Local MP Tim Bull praised the tireless efforts of first responders and emphasised the need for residents to remain cautious.
“Compared to other areas of Victoria we seem to have got through these past couple of days relatively well, noting there is still fire in the landscape that needs vigilance, especially around Dargo,” he said.
At its peak, authorities warned that it was too late to leave safely, advising residents to shelter indoors while the fire threatened lives and homes. Road closures remain in place, including Dargo High Plain Road between Dargo and Great Alpine Road, Marathon Road at the Moroka Road Junction and Boundary 24 Track Junction, and Wallers Road between Friday Creek Road and Bairnsdale-Dargo Road.
With crews continuing to focus on the protection of Dargo township, gaining road access for landowners, and managing remote fire fronts, authorities urge residents to monitor official VicEmergency channels for the latest updates and instructions.
OTHER EAST GIPPSLAND FIRES
Cabbage Tree – Princes Highway Fire
An incident near Cabbage Tree Creek, close to the Princes Highway, raised local concern but was later reduced to an Advice level as crews brought the situation under control. Smoke from the blaze was visible from the highway, but there was no immediate threat to communities at update time.
Orbost – Knob Track and Yalmy – Serpentine Creek Fires
Bushfires near Orbost (Knob Track) and Yalmy (Serpentine Creek) were listed by VicEmergency as fire incidents over the period, though recent status updates indicate these particular blazes were either under control or contained.
Mallacoota – Lake Barracoota and Genoa Fires
Authorities issued ‘Advice’ for fires at Mallacoota – Lake Barracoota and north of Genoa. While not elevated to higher warning levels at the time of these messages, these blazes are not yet under control, with aircraft support deployed where possible. Residents and travellers were urged to monitor conditions through the official VicEmergency channels.
DISASTER DECLARATION
The Victorian Government declared a State of Disaster due to the scale of the fire emergency, activating expanded powers for evacuations and emergency coordination. More than 300,000 hectares have burned, and at least 130 structures — including homes — have been destroyed across multiple regions.
Authorities cautioned that conditions could further deteriorate due to dry lightning, wind changes and persistent heat.
