Bendigo incident centre tracks 32 active fires state-wide

The Bendigo Incident Control Centre has reported 32 active fires across Victoria, including 10 major grounds that continue to draw substantial emergency resources. The update came from the Epsom facility during a briefing that also covered containment progress at the Harcourt fire ground.

These figures matter now because conditions remain volatile in several regions, with new ignitions overnight in the southwest adding to the workload already faced by crews. Residents in central Victoria need clear information on how many warnings are active and what equipment is committed so they can judge personal risk and plan movements accordingly.

The Epsom centre, which serves as the coordination point for central Victoria operations, also hosted discussion of the Harcourt fire that reached roughly 80 per cent containment within a single day. That pace of progress shows the effect of concentrated aircraft and ground crews on one front while other districts still face active spread.

Key numbers from the current fire picture

Emergency managers listed 15 emergency warnings requiring people to leave immediately and another 17 watch-and-act notices. State-wide, more than 350,000 hectares have already been burned, a total expected to rise. Deployment includes thousands of firefighters and more than 70 aircraft operating around the clock. The Harcourt ground moved from a very hot and active state yesterday to its current containment level, illustrating how quickly numbers can shift when resources are concentrated.

Particular ongoing concern was noted for the northeast and East Gippsland districts, plus two new fires in the Otways triggered by dry lightning. These locations continue to experience warmer, windy conditions that keep crews on high alert.

What residents should do next

People in affected areas are advised to check the Vic emergency app for the latest alerts and to tune to local radio for updates. If told to leave by emergency services, the instruction is to go straight away, both to protect lives and to keep roads clear for responding units. The same advice applies whether the fire is the Harcourt ground near Bendigo or any of the other 31 active fires still in the landscape.

Further briefings from the Epsom centre are expected as conditions evolve through the day.