A critical fire situation is unfolding in New South Wales, and we want to ensure you have all the details. The threat is real, and we must stay vigilant.
Major Fire Updates:
The NSW Rural Fire Service has issued a monitor conditions advice for Murray River Road, Talmalmo, and surrounding areas like Jingellic, Ournie, and along the border towards Khancoban. This advice was posted on January 10th, 2026, at 4:23 PM.
Current Situation:
A large bushfire is raging in Victoria's Mt Lawson National Park, south of the Murray River, approximately 50 kilometers east of Albury. The fire has remained south of the river and is not currently endangering properties in NSW. However, if the situation shifts, and NSW properties are at risk, appropriate warning levels and community alerts will be activated.
NSW residents are advised to avoid traveling south into Victoria between Wymah Ferry Road and Bringenbrong.
Firefighters' Efforts:
Firefighters are actively monitoring the area between Talmalmo and Jingellic. On January 9th, north to north-westerly winds pushed the fire in a south to south-easterly direction. Now, a westerly wind is moving across the fireground, shifting the fire's direction more to the east. Smoke will linger in the area into the evening, and winds will turn southerly overnight.
Areas to Watch:
Residents in Ournie, Welaregang, Tooma, Greg Greg, Bringenbrong, and Khancoban should closely monitor conditions and be aware of smoke and embers. High to Extreme fire danger is forecast for this region today, with hot, dry, and windy conditions. A Total Fire Ban is in place.
Jingellic South Road (Jingellic Bridge) is closed between River Road and Holbrook Road.
Your Actions:
- Stay alert and keep an eye on your surroundings.
- Look out for emergency services personnel and follow their instructions.
- Be vigilant for burning embers, changes in wind direction, and smoke. Watch for any signs of fire in your area.
- Have a plan if the fire reaches your location. Identify a safer place, like a well-cleared area or a solid structure like a home.
- If you're not fully prepared, leaving early is the safest choice.
If Threatened by Fire:
- If the fire impacts your area, seek shelter in a solid structure like a house to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
- Bring pets indoors and restrain them. Close all doors and windows and turn off air conditioners. Keep water running if possible.
- Shelter in a room on the opposite side of the building from the fire's approach, with access to water and a clear exit from the house.
- Monitor both inside and outside for small fires and burning embers. Turn on sprinklers if you have them.
- Be cautious outdoors after the fire passes, as trees may be unstable and could fall.
- If your life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Community Meeting:
A community meeting has been scheduled for 11 AM on Sunday, January 11th, at the Khancoban Community Hall, Mitchell Ave, Khancoban.
Stay Informed:
- Keep up to date on bush fires in your area by checking Hazards Near Me, the RFS website (https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/), listening to local radio stations, or calling the RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
- For information on the Victorian fires, visit VicEmergency (https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/).
- If you have respiratory conditions and may be affected by smoke, follow your health management plan and seek medical advice if needed. Take precautions like staying indoors and closing windows. Check NSW Health (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/bushfire/Pages/bushfire-protection.aspx) for more guidance.
- For road closure information, visit Live Traffic NSW (https://www.livetraffic.com/).
- Monitor weather conditions and warnings at the Bureau of Meteorology (http://www.bom.gov.au/).
- Check School Operational Status (https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety) for updates on temporary school closures in your area.
The next fire update will be issued by 7 PM on January 10th, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes.
And here's where it gets controversial... What do you think about the current fire danger ratings and the measures in place? Are they sufficient, or should more be done? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
