The Dargo and Wonnangatta bushfire complex in East Gippsland, at time of going to press, remains active and uncontained, with crews, machinery, and aircraft continuing suppression efforts in rugged terrain around Dargo, Cobbannah, Iguana Creek and surrounding areas.
Smoke is visible from nearby communities, and sections of the Alpine and Mitchell River National Parks remain closed for safety.
While there is currently no immediate threat to populated towns, residents and visitors are urged to stay informed, monitor VicEmergency updates, and be ready to act if
conditions change.
RESPONSE
Hundreds of emergency personnel from across Australia and overseas will support Victoria’s emergency services, joining the state’s bushfire response and recovery efforts.
Victorian emergency services have been bolstered by more than 550 firefighters and incident management teams. This critical support assists local crews as they continue to respond to multiple fires across the state.
A total of 460 personnel from almost every Australian state and territory have already been deployed to Victoria, while 22 arduous firefighters from New Zealand arrived on Monday to support operations near Tallangatta. A further 74 personnel from Canada are scheduled to touch down on January 27.
They join thousands of responders from agencies including the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), and are supported by more than 70 aircraft.
Acting Emergency Management Commissioner, Brett Boatman, welcomed the newly arriving team at their briefing on Monday.
“Thanks to all the people from overseas, across Australia and here in Victoria who are on the ground supporting our emergency management response and communities,” Acting Commissioner Boatman said.
“Their willingness to leave their own homes and communities to support Victorians speaks volumes about the strength of our emergency management partnerships, domestically and internationally.”
There are currently six active fires
across Victoria, with some expected to burn for some time.
So far this bushfire season, more than 413,000 hectares of land has been affected.
