An Emergency Warning has been issued for residents north of Melbourne as a fast-moving grassfire burns out of control near Clarkefield, triggering urgent “seek shelter indoors” and “too late to leave” alerts across multiple communities.
Authorities confirmed the blaze, which started near Clarkefield northeast of Sunbury, has already scorched approximately 300 hectares and remains not yet under control, with firefighters unable to stop its forward spread earlier in the afternoon.
Emergency Warning Areas and Watch & Act Alerts
The highest-level warning applies to Bolinda, Clarkefield and Darraweit Guim, where residents were told as of 2:25pm to take shelter immediately.
At the peak of the emergency, warnings extended to:
- Clarkefield
- Wildwood
- Mickleham
- Beveridge
- Donnybrook Road
- Mandalay Estate
VicEmergency confirmed the fire was burning in a dangerous northerly corridor, prompting swift response measures.
A separate grassfire near Mount Mercer in the state’s west, close to Meredith, was downgraded to an advice-level warning after earlier Watch and Act conditions.
BREAKING: The out-of-control grass fire near Sunbury, northwest of Melbourne. Residents have been told to take shelter immediately. @tyra_stowers has the latest from the scene. #fire #warning #clarkefield #melbourne #breakingnews pic.twitter.com/w1bEK21Gqe
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) February 11, 2026
Fire Behaviour: Wind Change Offers Some Relief
John Deering from the Gisborne Incident Control Centre told ABC Radio Melbourne that a southerly wind change provided temporary assistance to crews.
“The wind is coming more from the south. That’s actually assisted efforts on the ground. We’re going okay out there — the fire’s burning back on itself a little bit.”
He confirmed:
- One house came under direct threat but was successfully saved.
- Caravan storage facilities in the region are being actively protected.
- A second wind change is forecast later tonight.
- Authorities hold cautious confidence about containing the fire later today.
54 Fire Vehicles Deployed as Dry Conditions Worsen Risk
Macedon Ranges Mayor Kate Kendall said the ignition point was in a relatively sparsely populated zone, but locals responded quickly, moving livestock to safety.
“There are already people relocating animals and taking precautions,” she said.
Councillor Jarrod Bell from neighbouring Hume City Council described the region as a “green wedge zone” between Sunbury and Craigieburn — an area dominated by hobby farms and open paddocks.
“It’s still some distance from dense housing,” he noted.
At least 54 firefighting vehicles were deployed to battle the blaze.
Residents Evacuate as Flames Spread
Faye Ridis, owner of Mickleham Lodge and a greyhound rehoming operator, evacuated dozens of animals using a specially equipped van and trailer.
“We loaded cages into a van and even used a cattle trailer,” she said.
She chose to stay behind temporarily due to three litters of puppies that could not be moved.
Other residents described intense conditions.
Andrew, who owns two farms in Clarkefield, said:
“It’s pretty hairy. It’s literally everywhere I look.”
He assisted authorities using his excavator to create fire breaks as the wind shifted.
Why Fire Danger Is So Severe Today
The Bureau of Meteorology warned that Victoria is experiencing its driest start to the year since 2009, combined with hot north-westerly winds — creating elevated fire danger.
Senior meteorologist Kevin Parkyn stated:
“It’s the hot north-westerly winds combined with the parched landscape that’s elevating the fire danger risk across Victoria.”
Key conditions:
- Melbourne forecast: 32°C
- Mildura forecast: 40°C
- Total Fire Ban across most of Victoria
- Strong winds + low humidity
Rainfall has been minimal over the past six weeks, leaving vegetation highly combustible.
Smoke Visible Across Northern Melbourne
Thick black smoke from the Clarkefield blaze was visible from Calder Park and other northern Melbourne suburbs, as helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft conducted water bombing runs overhead.
Thermal drone footage released by VicEmergency showed active fire fronts spreading across dry paddocks.
Broader Fire Situation Across Victoria
The Clarkefield emergency comes as multiple bushfires continue burning statewide, including:
- Carlisle River fire (Otways)
- Longwood blaze (Central Victoria)
- Walwa fire (North-East Victoria)
Authorities continue to monitor all active incidents closely.
What Residents Should Do Now
Emergency services are urging residents in affected areas to:
- Shelter indoors immediately if in Emergency Warning zones
- Monitor VicEmergency updates
- Avoid travel into affected regions
- Prepare for potential power outages
- Move livestock early if safe
Fire conditions remain volatile, and further updates are expected throughout the evening.
Situation Remains Active
While wind changes have slightly slowed the fire’s advance, authorities warn the situation remains unpredictable. With extremely dry conditions and continued heat, Victoria faces heightened fire danger across multiple districts.
Residents are strongly advised to stay informed through official emergency channels and follow all instructions from emergency services.
More updates to follow as the situation develops.
Source: ABC News Emergency warning issued for grassfire near Sunbury, north of Melbourne
