In the parched landscapes north of Melbourne, a rapidly spreading grassfire has ignited alarm bells across rural communities. On February 11, 2026, authorities issued an Emergency Warning for residents in Clarkefield and surrounding suburbs, urging them to seek shelter indoors as flames tore through dry grasslands. The blaze, which began in Clarkefield, has not yet been contained, prompting swift action from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and local councils.
Fire Spread and Emergency Measures
The grassfire, fueled by relentless hot north-westerly winds, is advancing eastward toward Boggy Gate Road. Affected areas include Beveridge, Bolinda, Clarkefield, Darraweit Guim, Mickleham, Oaklands Junction, Sunbury, and Wildwood. According to VicEmergency updates, the warning was activated at 2:25 pm, advising immediate sheltering to protect against intense heat and smoke.
Firefighters, numbering over 50 vehicles in the initial response, are working tirelessly to establish containment lines. However, the fire's unpredictable behavior—exacerbated by shifting winds—has made progress challenging. Smoke plumes were visible from as far as Calder Park in Melbourne's northwest, a stark reminder of the blaze's scale.
Local Authority Insights
Macedon Ranges Mayor Kate Kendall highlighted the proactive response from locals during an ABC Radio Melbourne interview. "People have already started moving livestock out," she noted, emphasizing the area's low population density but high vulnerability due to dry conditions. Neighboring Hume City Council's Jarrod Bell described the fire's path through the 'green wedge zone'—a buffer of hobby farms between Sunbury and Craigieburn. "There's still distance to dense housing, but the dryness is a major concern," Bell added, pointing to minimal rainfall over the past month and a half.
Resident Stories: Evacuation and Resilience
Amid the chaos, personal accounts underscore the human impact. Faye Ridis, owner of Mickleham Lodge—a facility for breeding dogs and a greyhound rehoming program—faced a heart-wrenching decision. Spotting high flames at Oaklands Estate, she coordinated a rapid evacuation using vans, cages, and trailers to transport her animals. "It started raining here, which I'm hopeful will help," Ridis shared, though she chose to remain on-site to care for three litters of unmovable pups.
Further in Clarkefield, farmer Andrew described a harrowing scene on his two properties. Assisting firefighters with his excavator, he reported flames encircling his land. "It's pretty hairy—it's everywhere I look. The wind changed, and now it's coming back on us," he told ABC Radio Melbourne. These stories highlight the blend of community spirit and peril in Victoria's rural fringes.
Weather and Broader Fire Risks
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) had forecasted elevated fire dangers across Victoria, attributing the risk to the state's driest start to the year since 2009. Senior meteorologist Kevin Parkyn explained, "Hot north-westerly winds combined with a parched landscape are creating perfect conditions for rapid fire spread." Temperatures soared, with low humidity amplifying the threat.
In a related development, a separate grassfire in Mount Mercer near Meredith was downgraded from Watch and Act to Advice level. Originating from Grahams Road and Gumley Road, it moved eastward toward Shelford-Mt Mercer Road but was brought under partial control, offering a glimmer of hope for containment strategies elsewhere.
Historical Context and Prevention
This incident echoes Victoria's history of devastating bushfires, from the 2009 Black Saturday tragedy to more recent events. Clarkefield's location in the Macedon Ranges, characterized by expansive grasslands and scattered farms, makes it prone to such outbreaks. Experts recommend firebreaks, vegetation management, and early warning systems to mitigate future risks. The CFA urges residents to prepare emergency kits, monitor VicEmergency apps, and avoid non-essential travel in affected zones.
Community and Economic Implications
Beyond immediate safety, the fire threatens local agriculture and wildlife. Hobby farms in the green wedge zone, home to livestock and native species, face potential losses. Early evacuations of animals, as seen with Ridis and others, demonstrate community preparedness, but long-term recovery could strain rural economies reliant on farming and tourism.
As the day progressed, authorities called for vigilance, with ongoing updates via radio and online portals. The CFA's 54 responding units reflect a robust mobilization, yet the fire's trajectory remains fluid. For those in the warning areas, the message is clear: monitor conditions closely and act on official advice.
This grassfire serves as a wake-up call amid climate-driven extremes. With Australia's fire seasons intensifying, communities like Clarkefield exemplify the need for resilience and rapid response. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for the latest developments as firefighters push to tame the blaze.
