January 2026 Victorian bushfires

Relief and recovery support for people and communities affected by the Victorian fires that started on 7 January 2026.

Transitioning to EMV

Emergency Recovery Victoria is becoming part of Emergency Management Victoria. This transition will be complete by 30 June 2026.

Relief and recovery programs will not be impacted by this change. Information about relief and recovery support will continue to be available on this website.

Call the Emergency Recovery Hotline, Monday to Friday on 1800 560 760.

Press 9 for an interpreter or call Translating and Interpretation Service (TIS) on 131 450.

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

Available support

A range of support is available for individuals and communities affected by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.

Local councils

Accommodation

Emergency accommodation

Short-term emergency accommodation can help for anyone who can’t go home because of the bushfires. This ensures everyone has a safe place to stay.

You may be eligible if you have no other place to go.

Before seeking this support, people are encouraged to consider options such as:

  • contacting family or friends for support
  • speaking to their insurance provider about what their policy will cover.

If you don’t have insurance or a place to stay, call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.

Temporary accommodation

Temporary accommodation supports uninsured and underinsured households. It provides a temporary place to stay while their properties are cleaned up, repaired or rebuilt.

Onsite temporary accommodation options may be available for up to 3 years. You can apply for temporary accommodation if you are unable to live in your home due to the bushfires.

You may be eligible for temporary accommodation if you:

  • cannot return home because it is damaged or destroyed; and
  • do not have building or contents insurance or are underinsured; and
  • have no alternative accommodation options.

Temporary accommodation options may include:

  • a caravan or modular home placed on your property or at another agreed location
  • a rent relief grant to help you pay for rental accommodation.

To apply for accommodation support, contact the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 (press 9 for an interpreter or call Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450).

Recovery support officers will work with you to understand your needs.

General support

Emergency Recovery Victoria is still working alongside emergency services, councils, and community groups to assess recovery needs and provide support to affected communities.

Ongoing services can also help. You can view our list of contacts below.

Printable flyer

You can download and print our flyer about available support, below:

Relief and recovery supports - January 2026 Victorian bushfires - as at 14 May 2026
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Updated