Victorian firefighters continue to battle a bushfire in Markwood, that is not yet under control, following a busy day across the state yesterday that saw a number of fires ignite in the hot, dry and windy condtions.
Firefighters will be working hard to contain the 370 hecatre bushfire in Markwood today, with a Watch and Act still in place for the community to monitor conditions in the local area.
A Total Fire Ban (TFB) is in place for the Mallee today, Friday 5 December 2025 until 11:59 pm tonight. An Extreme Fire Danger Rating has also been forecast due to dry conditions and expected weather.
Crews will also remain on the fireground in Patchewollock, where a bushfire has burned around 510 hectares and is not yet under control. Victorians are reminded that there is still increased fire risk in these areas and to stay informed via the VicEmergency App for the most up to date information.
Victorians, especially in the north of the state, can expect hot, dry and windy conditions throughout the day that could lead to fires spreading quickly and becoming extremely dangerous.
Temperatures will reach 33-38 degrees in the north, and 23-27 degrees in the south. With west to northwesterly winds travelling up to 30km/h in the afternoon and gusts of up to 70km/h.
These conditions could see an increase in fire behaviour, with thunderstorms overnight already causing dry lightning to hit the ground.
Victorians and visitors are reminded to never rely on one channel for emergency information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including the:
- VicEmergency app, website and social media channels
- Listen in to local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews TV
- Phone the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Quotes attributable to Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer, Chris Hardman
“Yesterday was a busy day across Victoria for our fire crews and there are still a number of fires in the landscape.
“We have resources still on the Markwood fire today working hard to contain it. It is a beautiful spot, south east of Wangaratta, but it is in very steep, rock country and if the wind picks up and we have further fire behaviour, that could take longer.
“We want to thank the communities impacted for their understanding and cooperation. It is really important they continue to stay informed through the VicEmergency App and local radio stations to keep updated about what is going on.
“Even though we have had a decent amount of rain and low temperatures in November, previously to that and especially in the northeast, we’re seeing rainfall deficits over the last 18 months that has dried out the soil significantly.
“All we really need is a series of these hot days and all Victorians know what can happened under those circumstances on a bad day.
“We could still get some new ignitions today and it serves a timely reminder for people that it is not too late to prepare your properties, cut your grass low and remove flammable material nea
“We’re asking people to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration today and understand how the increased fire risk will impact you.”
-ENDS-
Media contact:
State Control Centre Media via 1300 287 289
