Quick Read
- Fierce bushfires are actively raging in central Victoria, impacting the Harcourt Area and Mount Alexander as of January 2026.
- Multiple homes have been hit by the fires, leading to emergency warnings and calls for immediate shelter in affected zones.
- Local leaders, including Maree Edwards and Lisa Chesters, describe the situation as ‘deeply complex and heartbreaking’.
- Evacuation centers have been established in Bendigo and Kyneton, with the Bendigo Showgrounds serving as a primary safe place.
- A significant wind change is anticipated, expected to alter the fire’s direction and create ‘very dangerous and unpredictable’ conditions.
A landscape once defined by its serene beauty now bears the scars of a raging inferno. Central Victoria, particularly the Harcourt area and the formidable Mount Alexander, is grappling with a bushfire disaster of deeply complex and heartbreaking proportions. As of early January 2026, communities across the region are facing an unfolding crisis, with emergency services battling unpredictable blazes and residents bracing for a long and uncertain night.
The fire, which has ripped through the Harcourt Area and ominously jumped Mount Alexander, has triggered a deluge of worried calls to Castlemaine’s Mount Alexander Shire council. Local state member Maree Edwards described the situation as nothing short of ‘deeply complex and heartbreaking,’ extending her thoughts to all those impacted. Her sentiments were echoed by Lisa Chesters, Member for Bendigo, who underscored the gravity of the situation: ‘We are not through this, yet.’
Reports indicate that multiple homes have already been consumed by the flames, a devastating blow to families and the fabric of these close-knit communities. The sheer scale of destruction and the immediate threat to life and property have prompted rapid responses from authorities. Councils in Bendigo and Kyneton have swiftly moved to establish evacuation centers, offering vital refuge for those forced to flee their homes. The Bendigo Showgrounds, in particular, has been designated as a safe haven, a beacon of safety in a landscape increasingly shrouded in smoke and uncertainty.
The Unfolding Devastation and Its Human Toll
The bushfire crisis gripping central Victoria is more than just a battle against flames; it’s a profound test of human resilience and community spirit. The fires around Harcourt and Mount Alexander are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, catastrophic bushfire season exacerbated by heatwave temperatures and widespread power outages across Victoria. The human toll is immeasurable, extending beyond the immediate loss of property to the deep psychological impact on residents who watch helplessly as their lives are irrevocably altered.
The immediate threat has led to an Emergency Warning being issued for numerous towns, including Break O’Day, Buxton, Clonbinane, Devlin Bridge, Flowerdale, Glenburn, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Rubicon, Taggerty, Thornton, Toolangi, and Woodbourne. These warnings are stark, often advising that it is ‘too late to leave the area safely,’ urging residents to take immediate shelter indoors. This shift from evacuation advice to sheltering in place highlights the extreme and rapidly deteriorating conditions faced by those in the fire’s path. The fire near Longwood, for instance, remains uncontrolled, travelling from Alexandra towards Taggerty and Buxton, posing an immediate threat to homes and lives.
The sense of helplessness felt by many is palpable, yet amidst the chaos, there’s a powerful undercurrent of community support. Ms. Chesters urged people to ‘remember to help others and there will be plenty of people in need and [people should] look out for opportunities as they arise.’ This call to action underscores the vital role neighbours and local networks play in times of disaster, providing comfort, assistance, and a sense of solidarity when official resources are stretched to their limits. It is a stark reminder that while the fire front is a physical threat, the recovery is a collective, human effort.
A Race Against Shifting Winds and Unpredictable Conditions
The battle against these infernos is a dynamic and perilous one, heavily influenced by Victoria’s notorious weather patterns. A critical wind change, anticipated around 8:00 PM tonight, is set to drastically alter the fire’s trajectory, causing it to shift direction towards the north-east, heading back towards Strathbogie. Such changes are a nightmare scenario for firefighters, transforming an already dangerous situation into one that is ‘very dangerous and unpredictable,’ as described by emergency services. These shifts can trap crews, open new fire fronts, and rapidly change the threat level for communities previously thought safe.
The sheer scale of the Victorian bushfires demands a coordinated, multi-agency response, with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers at the forefront. Both Maree Edwards and Lisa Chesters extended their profound gratitude to these brave individuals, who tirelessly work to contain the blazes, protect properties, and save lives, often putting their own safety at risk. Their dedication is the backbone of the emergency response, embodying the spirit of selflessness that defines Australian communities in times of crisis. However, their efforts alone are not enough; public cooperation is paramount.
In the face of such a formidable adversary, clear and consistent communication becomes a lifeline. State emergency services, including VicEmergency, are working around the clock to provide real-time updates and warnings. The ABC Radio also plays a crucial role, broadcasting regular warnings on frequencies across Victoria, including 97.7 FM in Goulburn Valley, 99.7 FM in Corryong, 106.5 FM in Upper Murray, 774 AM in Melbourne, 102.9 FM in Alexandra, 103.7 FM in Mansfield, and 98.1 FM in Eildon. These channels are critical for residents to stay informed and make life-saving decisions, emphasizing the importance of tuning in and heeding official advice.
Community Resilience and Urgent Calls for Safety
As the fires continue to burn, the message from authorities is clear and unequivocal: safety first. Ms. Chesters issued a stern warning against what she termed ‘natural disaster tourism,’ imploring individuals, ‘If I can really stress, do not go near the fires. This is not the time for natural disaster tourism. Stay home, stay safe.’ This plea highlights a dangerous trend where curiosity can lead to unnecessary risks, diverting essential emergency resources and endangering both onlookers and first responders.
For those in doubt about their safety, the advice is to head for a predetermined safe place. The Bendigo Showgrounds serves as a key example of such a facility, providing a structured and secure environment away from the immediate threat. Evacuation is not a sign of weakness but a strategic, life-saving decision. The psychological impact of displacement, even temporary, is immense, yet it pales in comparison to the alternative. The focus remains on preserving life, with property protection a secondary, albeit critical, objective.
The ongoing crisis in Harcourt and the wider central Victoria region serves as a powerful reminder of Australia’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, particularly bushfires. The convergence of a severe heatwave and volatile winds has created a perfect storm, testing the limits of emergency preparedness and community endurance. The coming hours and days will be crucial, demanding unwavering vigilance from residents and sustained, coordinated efforts from all levels of government and emergency services. The resilience of these communities, though tested, remains the strongest beacon of hope amidst the smoke and ash.
The unfolding bushfire disaster in central Victoria, particularly around Harcourt, is a stark testament to the escalating challenges posed by climate-driven extreme weather events in 2026. While the immediate focus is on containment and saving lives, the long-term recovery will require a profound commitment to rebuilding not just physical infrastructure, but also the shattered sense of security for thousands of Australians.