How can we help?
This information is relevant to people affected by bushfires in Victoria.
Where do I get information about bushfires?
It is important to stay up to date as conditions can change at any time.
Up-to-date information about bushfires can be found on the VicEmergency website at Incidents and Warnings.
The Vic Emergency hotline – 1800 226 226 (option 0, then 1) – provides information during and after major bushfire incidents. It also offers information to help householders, landowners and small businesses reduce bushfire risk. If you speak a language other than English, ring the hotline (1800 226 226), and then press 9 for an interpreter.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a communication impairment, contact the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the Vic Emergency Hotline on your behalf.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission has collated a range of Victorian Government translated materials to help people understand, prepare and stay safe during the fire season.
Finally, the Victorian Bushfire Information Line – 1800 240 667 – is a free information line providing important bushfire-related information 365 days of the year.
Call 000 in life threatening emergencies.
Before and during a bushfire
Will the smoke affect my health?
EPA Victoria has published information on what to do if it is smoky outside. You can check the current air quality in your area on EPA AirWatch. If you need medical advice for burns or exposure to smoke, see your doctor or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
What do I do if I am elderly, frail or have a disability?
All Victorians should be prepared and ready to act if bushfire threatens. But some people may need help to prepare their fire plan and to leave early. They could be a relative or a member of your community who may need help leaving early on a fire risk day.
If you live in a high-risk bushfire area, then on a Severe, Extreme or Code Red rated day your only safe option could be to leave early – especially if you’re frail or elderly, have a physical disability, or have problems thinking clearly or acting quickly under stress. More information is available on the CFA’s website.
People with disability
The National Disability Insurance Scheme has provided a range of information for scheme participants who been affected by bushfires. Information can also be obtained by calling 1800 800 110.
The Council for Intellectual Disability has created an Easy English bushfire information guide for people with intellectual disability in NSW (but most of the guide is relevant for Victorians too).
The CFA has an Easy English guide on how to stay safe in a bushfire.
Expression Australia has bushfire safety guides in Auslan for the Deaf community.
IDEAS Disability Information has an easy-to-follow guide to packing for an emergency.
Assistance after a fire
How do I tell my loved-ones that I am OK?
If you have left a bushfire area and want to tell people close to you that you are OK, or attempt to locate family and friends who have already done so, you can register with the Red Cross at Register.Find.Reunite website.
If you are unable to locate a family member or friend using RFR, you need to contact Victoria Police via 000 (emergency) or Assistance Line via 131 444 (non-life threatening).
Is there a central service that can guide me through the next steps after a fire?
Dedicated support workers are available to assist people and connect them to services, grants and advice. Contact a support worker through your local council, a recovery centre or by calling 1800 560 760.
Where do I get emotional support?
Bushfires that cause widespread loss and distress impact the whole community. People recovering from bushfires are encouraged to access mental health and counselling services detailed here.
There is also an increased risk of family violence after an emergency. If you are someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, help is available at the Seniors Rights Victoria. Call the helpline on 1300 368 821.
How do I replace items lost in a fire?
If you have banknotes that have been damaged in the bushfires, you can submit a damaged banknote claim. The Reserve Bank (RBA) will determine the value of the damaged banknotes and reimburse you the assessed amount. The RBA’s website provides more complete information.
The Australian Registries of Births, Deaths and Marriages will replace certificates that were lost in the recent bushfires, free of charge.
VicRoads can refund your remaining registration without any administration fees for any fire damaged vehicles or replace your licence/learner permit/marine licence for free.
If your passport has been lost or damaged in bushfires, you may be eligible for a free replacement. Call the Australian Passport Information Service on 131 232 for more information.
The ATO can help you find your lost tax file number (TFN) and re-issue or help re-construct lost or damaged tax records. Phone their emergency support line on 1800 806 218 or visit the ATO’s Bushfire support page for further details.
Where do I get financial assistance?
Financial Counselling Victoria provides comprehensive information about what to do if you are in financial stress due to the bushfires.
You may seek free, independent and confidential financial advice and guidance from the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or search for a financial counsellor in your local area.
Your bank may offer disaster relief packages and other assistance if you’ve been affected by the bushfires. These can include temporary easements on loans or interest payments. For more information or to find the number for your bank’s hardship team, visit the Australian Banking Association.
How do I find out about insurance on my home?
If you have no papers or are not sure who you were insured with call the Insurance Council of Australia’s 24-hour hotline on 1800 734 621 or visit their website.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has dedicated support available for individual and small businesses and impacted bushfires.
Where can I find legal help?
The Disaster Legal Help telephone line can offer free legal assistance. Call 1800 113 432 for free information. Up-to-date, general legal information relevant to disasters is available online at Disaster Legal Help Victoria.
What are my rights and obligtations following an emergency?
Consumer Affairs Victoria provides information and advice about your rights and obligations following an emergency, including on renting and rebuilding, and insurance. For more information call 1300 55 81 81.