Avenel evacuated as Longwood bushfire intensifies; Hume Highway closed between Seymour, Violet Town as temperature rises amid hot weather

Officials have confirmed there could be material losses overnight as fire crews try to control an “intense” bushfire in Melbourne’s north.

“There are unconfirmed reports of property losses in the Longwood fire,” a spokesman for the State Control Center said.

“Teams will conduct assessments today to determine what the losses are and how significant they are.”

Residents of Avenel, Caveat, Dropmore, Highlands, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Terip Terip as well as residents of Locksley, Longwood, Longwood East, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Upton Hill are asked to evacuate immediately.

“Those living SOUTH of the line from Maggies Lane to Mount Monica, Tarcombe Road, Nolans Road, Buntings Hill Road may be affected,” the warning said.