Murrindindi Shire Council - Impact Summary
Information current as at Sunday 11 January 2026 at 3.10 pm.
A bushfire ignited on the south-bound lane of the Hume Freeway near Longwood on Wednesday 8 January 2026 and was named the Berrys Lane Longwood fire. The Longwood fire spans Murrindindi, Mitchell, Mansfield and Strathbogie Shires across 143,000 Ha.
A catastrophic fire danger rating was declared for Friday 9 January, presenting severe heat and wind conditions.
Relief centres were established in multiple locations in response to the dynamic and dangerous fire conditions in Seymour, Yarra Glen (large animals only), Lilydale, Whittlesea, Mansfield, and Benalla.
Early reports are that no human lives have been lost. It is expected that around 30 structures have been lost, with significant livestock losses, as well as damage to agricultural property and vineyard losses. It is expected that this number will grow.
A State of Disaster was declared by the Victorian Government for 19 impacted councils on Saturday 10 January at 12.29 pm until 8 February 2026, providing the Victorian Government with increased powers and resources to keep Victorians safe (source: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/victorian-government-declares-state-disaster-0)
Communications are being shared across Mitchell, Mansfield, Strathbogie and Murrindindi Shire Councils. Council waste services have been delayed in Kinglake and Toolangi with surge capacity planned for missed services on Monday 12 January.
Significant road closures and traffic management points are in place to limit movement and access across the shire. Road closures relate to fire danger, bridge damage and large volume of trees over roads.
Damage to telecommunications assets have caused widespread internet and mobile phone outages.
2,859 customers in the Shire are without power, and delays are expected due to damage to transmission lines and ongoing fire danger (source: Ausnet 10 Jan 2.00 pm)
Councils' customer service and library services are currently closed. The call centre remains online. It is estimated that up to 50% of Murrindindi Shire Council staff are impacted directly or are supporting family and friends who have been impacted by the fires.
Organisers have cancelled the scheduled 10-12 January 2026 Alexandra Rodeo. They are looking to shift the annual landmark event to April as a fundraiser event for bushfire recovery.
Coordination of hay for stock, both donations and delivery, please contact Andrew Embling 0418 266 038 (source: UGFM 10 Jan 2.00 pm)
This page will continue to evolve as the known impact of the fires emerges. Information is updated daily and is based on data from authorities and official sources.