Watch and Act issued as bushfire burns in Victoria's Central Gippsland

Posted Sun 20 Sep 2026 at 6:25pmSun 20 Sep 2026 at 6:25pmA Watch and Act bushfire warning to prepare to leave was issued to Central Gippsland communities. (Supplied: Candice Dockett)In short:The CFA has told residents of Golden Beach, Paradise Beach and Seacombe, in Victoria's Gippsland region, to prepare to leave after an out-of-control bushfire broke out on Sunday afternoon.The fire is burning in a south-easterly direction along the Longford-Loch Sport Road at Seacombe.What's next?The CFA will provide further updates as crews fight the blaze.Central Gippsland communities have been told to prepare to leave as firefighters battle an out-of-control bushfire at Seacombe, about 42 kilometres east of Sale.The CFA issued a Watch and Act warning on Sunday afternoon, "strongly" recommending residents in Golden Beach, Paradise Beach and Seacombe prepare to leave after a fire broke out on the Longford-Loch Sport Road.A CFA firefighter near an out-of-control bushfire at Seacombe. (Supplied: Candice Dockett)A CFA spokesperson said crews responded to reports of smoke about 1:20pm in Seacombe.The fire, located south-west of the coastal town of Loch Sport, is burning in a south-easterly direction.By 6pm Sunday, 27 CFA vehicles were on scene fighting the blaze, while air attack support had also been requested.The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.Firefighters were called out to a blaze on the Longford-Loch Sport Road on Sunday afternoon. (Supplied: CFA)Longford-Loch Sport Road closed Authorities say they have closed the Longford-Loch Sport Road at the Seacombe turn-off so that people cannot enter the area, but they are still free to leave.They are encouraging people to monitor the situation, including increases to wind speed or a change in wind direction, and to note that smoke or poor visibility can mean the situation is worsening.A column of smoke rises on the horizon after the fire broke out. (Supplied: Gerard Walsh)A CFA spokesperson advised people in the affected communities to leave as soon as they were ready, "as roads will become busy"."Those affected can travel to Yarram or Sale, or friends or family away from the fire," they said.People who do leave have been told to take three days of provisions with them, including cash, clothes and medicine, a phone and chargers, toiletries, important documents, meaningful items, and gear for their pets.The CFA said further updates would be provided.