{
  "id": 8645667,
  "title": "Watch and Act issued as bushfire burns in Victoria's Central Gippsland",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/watch-and-act-issued-as-bushfire-burns-in-victorias-central-gippsland",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-20T08:25:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-20/bushfire-seacombe-central-gippsland-victoria/107174124"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) has issued a \"Watch and Act\" warning for residents of Golden Beach, Paradise Beach, and Seacombe in Victoria's Central Gippsland region. The fire is currently burning out of control along the Longford-Loch Sport Road near Seacombe, approximately 42 kilometers east of Sale. The CFA issued the warning on Sunday afternoon after receiving reports of smoke around 1:20pm in Seacombe.\n\nBy 6pm on Sunday, 27 CFA vehicles were on the scene battling the blaze, and air attack support had been requested as well. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities have closed the Longford-Loch Sport Road at the Seacombe turn-off to prevent people from entering the affected area, but it remains open for those wishing to leave.\n\nThe CFA is encouraging residents to monitor the situation closely, including any changes in wind speed or direction, as smoke or poor visibility could indicate the situation is worsening. Those affected are advised to leave as soon as they are ready, as roads may become congested. Travel options include heading to Yarram or Sale, or staying with friends or family outside the fire zone. People are encouraged to take three days' worth of provisions, including cash, clothes, medicine, a phone and chargers, toiletries, important documents, meaningful items, and any necessary gear for their pets.\n\nThe CFA has stated that further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.",
  "summary": "Residents of Golden Beach, Paradise Beach and Seacombe have been told to \"prepare to leave\" as an out-of-control bushfire burns in the area.",
  "key_points": [
    "Watch and Act warning issued for Golden Beach, Paradise Beach, and Seacombe.",
    "Fire burning out of control near Seacombe, 42 km east of Sale.",
    "Longford-Loch Sport Road closed to prevent entry into affected area."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}