LIVE: Otways Fires Updates

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VicEmergency update: Monday, February 2, 4.50pm

This Advice message is being issued for between the townships of Irrewillipe, Kawarren, Lovat, Wimba, Charleys Creek, Carlisle River and covers the township of Gellibrand.

The Carlisle River bushfire is contained and there is currently no threat to you, but you should stay informed and plan for what you will do if the situation changes. 

• Emergency services will remain in the area.
• Heavy machinery and aircraft continue to operate in the area.
• Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.
• Road closures: Gellibrand – Carlisle Road is closed
• Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
• All Forest and National Park Tracks and Roads within the impacted area are closed.

VicEmergency update for Carlisle River and Irrewillipe: Friday, January 30, 1.12pm

The Otway fire complex remains not yet under control. However, there has been no further spread in the fire perimeter.  

Smoke will be visible across the fire area and some hotspots may be present.

There will be hotspots identified within the impacted area, crews are actively managing these.

Crews are also patrolling the perimeter, extinguishing hotspots, undertaking hazardous tree assessments

Firefighting aircraft continues to tract fire activity and monitor impacted areas.

Barwon Water update for Gellibrand: Friday, January 30, 10am

A drinking water supply point is available at Rex Norman Park in Gellibrand – please bring your water bottles and containers to fill up.

Barwon Water continues to cart water today for non-drinking essential purposes, such as flushing toilets and showering. This water is available to homes and businesses connected to the Barwon Water system.

If you have an ability to cart your own water, there are free water refill points at five locations:

• Corner Tomahawk Creek Rd and Princess Highway, Pirron Yallock
• Corner Larpent Rd and Black Larpent Rd, Larpent
• Corner Collins Rd and Colac-Forrest Rd, Yeo
• 100 Bourkes Road, Warncoort
• Corner Wool Wool Road and Corangamite Lake Road, Alvie – BYO hose

Barwon Water encourages people with tankers not to extract water from the Gellibrand system. Please use the five locations outlined above.

Gellibrand Water Treatment plant continues to be unable to supply drinking water. After being able to gain access to the Water Treatment Plant yesterday afternoon, Barwon Water are preparing to undertake the necessary repairs and will keep the community updated.

The Victorian Government has established the Emergency Relief Drinking Water program that entitles households that rely on tank water for drinking to one delivery of 20,000 litres. The state program is co-ordinated by Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and can be accessed for the Carlisle River fire by contacting DEECA via their website https://www.water.vic.gov.au/about-us/news/news-stories/emergency-relief-drinking-water-2026 or by contacting Barwon Water.

If you’re not a Barwon Water customer and you’re eligible for the Emergency Relief Drinking Water program, please call Barwon Water on 1300 656 007 and the Barwon Water team will help you fill out a form to access water.

If you are not connected to the water supply system, live in a bushfire impacted area and are reliant on tank water for drinking, your tank could have become contaminated. If this is the case your water would look, smell and taste unusual, and you should not drink it. There is further information on this at:
After a fire: private drinking water and water tank safety.

VicEmergency update: Thursday, January 29, 2.06pm

• This Advice message is being issued for Barongarook, Kawarren. 
• It is Safe to Return for people who evacuated due to the bushfire at Carlisle River. 

VicEmergency update: Thursday, January 29, 12.55pm

Community members at Carlisle River, Charleys Creek, Ferguson, Gellibrand, Lovat, Wimba and Wyelangta are advised that it is not safe to return to their homes as the bushfire at Carlisle River that is still not yet under control. 

Be aware of potential dangerous bushfire and tree hazards.

Meanwhile, the threat is reduced for areas east of Gellibrand and south-east of Kawarren, meaning it is safe to return for residents in these areas who evacuated due to the bushfire at Carlisle River. This also applies to Irrewillipe and Irrewillipe East. 

• Emergency services will remain in the area.
• The following roads are still closed:
• Colac-Lavers Hill Road, between Lavers Hill Road and Hoveys Road intersection in the north and Lavers Hill Road and Beech Forest Road intersection in the south. 
• Gellibrand Carlisle Road is closed. 
• Traffic management points are operational in this area and residents will be required to provide identification.
• Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.

Barwon Water update: Wednesday, January 28, 4.20pm

“Gellibrand Water Treatment plant is unable to supply water to Gellibrand as of 12.40pm today. This means that there is no tap water available in Gellibrand – any remaining water remains unsafe to drink.

The ICC has permitted our crews to travel to Gellibrand to inspect the damage at the water treatment plant this afternoon.

Our first priority is providing a temporary drinking water supply and we will have that in place in Gellibrand as soon as we receive clearance from the Incident Control Centre that it is safe to do so.

Subsequent to that, we will prioritise re-establishing of a temporary non-drinking water supply to households (to support flushing toilets, washing clothes and showering). This will be followed by the reestablishment of safe drinking water supplies to households.

The timing of a non-drinking water supply and safe drinking water supply will be determined once our crews have undertaken conditional assessment and undertaken the remediation work required.

Our Managing Director Shaun Cumming will attend the community meeting at the Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre tomorrow at 1pm and will provide a further update then.

For more information, please call us on 1300 656 007.”

STATE CONTROL CENTRE UPDATE: Wednesday, January 28, 3.55pm

Emergency management commissioner Tim Wiebusch praised firefighters for their work on the ground to contain the blaze yesterday until it escaped containment lines at 5pm.

He confirmed at least 16 structures have now been lost in the Gellibrand area, with crews still determining specifics and whether there have been further losses.

He also confirmed that there were 158 people who took refuge at Colac emergency relief centres overnight on Tuesday.

Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said 11,355 hectares had been burnt.

Meanwhile, the Gellibrand water treatment plant has been damaged by fire and no longer operational.

Mr Hardman said crews were escorting water tankers to the water treatment plant to fill up the tank and enable water supply to go through to customers. 

“This fire at Carlisle River is a long way from over,” he said.

“We are early in the summer, we will see the heating of the environment and winds come again before that fire is fully contained.”

The emergency warning issued for issued for Gellibrand, Barongarook, Barongarook West, Kawarren, Carlisle River and Charleys Creek remains in place.

FROM VICEMERGENCY, WEDNESDAY JANUARY 28, 1.18PM

Advice – Fire – Threat is Reduced

This Advice message is being issued for Barongarook, Barongarook West, Barramunga, Barwon Downs, Forest, Gerangamete, Kawarren, Murroon, Upper Gellibrand, Yaughter, Yeodene, Wymbooliel, Pennyroyal, Murroon, Birregurra, Yeo, Elliminyt, Larpent.

• It is Safe to Return for people who evacuated due to the bushfire at Carlisle River in the following locations Barongarook, Barramunga, Barwon Downs, Forrest, Gerangamete, Murroon, Upper Gellibrand, Yaughter, Yeodene, Wymbooliel, Pennyroyal, Murroon, Birregura, Yeo, Elliminyt, Larpent.

• This Advice message replaces the Advice issued at 12:14 pm Wednesday 28th January.

The threat is reduced and it is now safe for you to return to your home or business.

What you should do:
• Stay alert – be aware of hazards caused by the fire.
• Be aware of road hazards such as fallen trees and any road closures.
• Check your home or building for damage before you re-enter.
• If you have any questions about recovering from this fire, you should call the VicEmergency Hotline on free call 1800 226 226 or visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief.

Impacts in your area:
• Emergency services will remain in the area.
• Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.
• The following roads are closed:
• Carlisle Road, between Irrewillipe and Carlisle Road intersection in the north and Carlisle Road and Gellibrand River Road intersection in the south.
• Colac-Lavers Hill Road, between Lavers Hill Road and Barongarook Road intersection in the north and Lavers Hill Road and BrockMans Track intersection in the south
• Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.

FROM BARWON WATER, WEDNESDAY JANUARY 28, 11am

“At some point today (Wednesday 28 January) water supply in Gellibrand will cease.

Our first priority once it is safe is getting a temporary source of drinking water to Gellibrand.

We will then work on assessing the impact of the fire and a plan to restore water direct to households.

Bushfires are still active in the Otways, and we are continuing to work with emergency services, incident and state control centres to provide information and support.

The post will be updated at 4pm as the situation evolves.”

From State Control Centre, Wednesday January 28, 9.17am

State Control Centre spokesperson James Taylor said while there are calmer conditions today, the situation was still changing.

An emergency warning remains in place for Gellibrand, Barongarook, Barongarook West, Kawarren, Carlisle River and Gerangamete due to the out-of-control Carlisle River bushfire.

He said the ongoing extreme fire danger conditions could impact communities.

“The best advice for residents is to stay up to date with the VicEmergency warnings,” Mr Taylor said.

“At the moment, more than 20,000 properties are still without power right across the state due to the extreme heat.”

He said slightly below average temperatures were expected in south Victoria, which would provide some relief to the ongoing situation.

From Barwon Water Tuesday January 27, 11.30pm

Due to bushfire damage the Gellibrand water treatment plant is unable to continue to supply water to Gellibrand. This means by the early hours of Wednesday 28 January there will be no tap water available in Gellibrand, and the remaining water remains unsafe to drink.

We are working with emergency services to determine a safe time to inspect our water infrastructure so that we can begin work to restore tap water to Gellibrand residents.

We will set up alternative water supplies for residents in Gellibrand once it is safe to return while we undertake the repair work.

From Powercor Tuesday January 27, 7.30pm

Electricity distributor Powercor and CitiPower is working to restore power to about 27,899 customers as bushfires and record-breaking temperatures create challenging conditions.

The Otways fire has now impacted one of the main powerlines supplying the region, affecting power supply to 2839 customers in Carlisle River, Lavers Hill, Johanna, Cape Otway, Beech Forrest and Gellibrand.

Crews are working with emergency services tonight to potentially access the line to assess the damage.

Given the dangerous conditions associated with this active fire, Powercor are unable to provide an estimated restoration time to customers at this stage and advise that it may be days until we can safely begin repairs.

They are continuing to monitor the second powerline and have deployed a generator to support supply in Apollo Bay if required.

Field teams, controllers and other specialists are working throughout the evening to restore power to customers as temperatures remain high.

Powercor experienced a range of different faults on the network including weather-related, a vehicle collision and trees falling on lines.

The networks are designed for hot temperatures but the extreme prolonged heat we are experiencing in some areas is unprecedented. These extreme conditions are placing significant pressure on localised power networks.

When there is significant pressure on the network, built-in safety protections are designed to activate to protect the community and broader network.

Due to the extreme fire danger conditions, Powercor are also operating our systems on our network in more sensitive settings and crews need to patrol the lines to make sure they are safe before power can be safely restored, which may mean restoration times are longer than usual.

Powercor are keeping customers updated on restoration times via SMS, our outage map and our customer contact centre.

From Barwon Water Tuesday January 27, 8.36pm

Bushfires have impacted the Gellibrand water treatment plant and there is a likelihood that the water supply of Gellibrand will be exhausted / run out.

It is not safe for Barwon Water to enter the fire zone to refill water tanks and we are unable to guarantee safety or supply of water in Gellibrand.

Tap water is not safe to drink.

Use bottled water or safe alternative supplies for drinking, preparing food and baby formula, and brushing teeth.

For updates go to the Barwon Water facebook page, www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/otways-fires or phone 1300 656 007.

From VicEmergency Tuesday January 27, 8.02pm

This Emergency Warning is being issued for Barongarook, Barongarook West, Barramunga, Barwon Downs, Carlisle River, Forrest, Gellibrand, Gerangamete, Irrewillipe East, Kawarren, Lovat, Upper Gellibrand, Yaugher.

• There is a bushfire at Carlisle River that is out of control.
• The bushfire is travelling in a north-easterly direction towards Gellibrand and Karwarren. 
• This fire is threatening homes and lives.

It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.

The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.

Leaving now would be deadly.

POWERCOR UPDATE: Tuesday January 27, 1.30pm

Powercor has asked customers in the Otways to act now to prepare for possible outages.

“We are continuing to monitor the fires in the Otways and working closely with emergency authorities as temperatures soar,” a spokesperson said.

“Ahead of this afternoon’s forecast wind gusts, we’ve been taking action to help minimise the impact on electricity assets.

“We’ve created clearances around key infrastructure and are working with CFA to drop fire retardant over large sections of powerlines within the south west region. We’ve also deployed a generator to Apollo Bay that will supply power to a small area along the main shopping area of the town if power is impacted.

“We also have extra crews ready to respond if our network is impacted by these fires or today’s extreme weather conditions.

“We are asking customers to act now to prepare for potential outages. For more advice visit – www.powercor.com.au/power-outages-and-emergencies/

From VicEmergency, Tuesday January 27, 11.25am

This Emergency Warning to Evacuate Immediately is being issued for Barongarook, Gellibrand, Kawarren, Lovat. 

• There is a bushfire at Carlisle River that is not under control.  
• The fire may impact the townships of Kawarren, Gellibrand and Barongarook around 12:00PM (midday) Tuesday 27th January. 
• This Emergency Warning replaces the Watch & Act – Evacuate Immediately issued at 9:21 AM Tuesday 27th January. 

If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you. 

If you are located in these areas it is recommended you evacuate immediately and move to a safer location away from the fire.

What you should do:

This Emergency Warning is current until12:00PM (midday) Tuesday 27th January. Evacuation after this time is considered life threatening.

After 12:00PM (Midday) Tuesday 27th January it may be too late to leave. Shelter indoors when the fire arrives – protect yourself from the radiant heat.

Evacuate immediately: 

• Evacuate immediately with all members of your household. 
• When you leave, remember to take your pets, mobile phone and charger. 
• If you are away from home, do not return. 

Travel to a safer location. Options include: 

A Community Fire Refuge is located at Otway CFA Fire Station, 8-14 Lavers Hill-Cobden Road, Lavers Hill. It is a last resort shelter option if you cannot leave the area. There is no guarantee that your route there will be safe.

POWERCOR UPDATE: Tuesday January 27, 9.58pm

Powercor has advised that Otways and coastal communties could lose power for days if out-of-control fires damage key distribution lines, with residents urged to prepare for extreme temperatures and fire conditions.

Bushfires can impact powerlines and cause power outages that can last longer than usual, as crews need to wait for safe access to firegrounds to begin repairs. Extreme temperatures and high winds can also affect electricity assets and cause localised power outages.

Powercor teams are monitoring fires in the Otway Ranges that are threatening two major distribution powerlines that supply the region. If these lines are damaged or destroyed, power could be affected in towns such as Lavers Hill, Johanna, Wongarra, Forrest, Kennett River, Wye River, Apollo Bay and surrounds.

Powercor Network Emergency Manager Ben Hallett said the fires and ongoing heatwave made it critical for Victorians to include power outages in their emergency planning.

“If bushfires damage or destroy parts of the power network, this will affect power supply to properties and impact equipment that relies on electricity such as electric water pumps,” Ben said. “It may take days or longer for our crews to be able to safely access these sites and repair damaged electrical infrastructure.

“We’re asking everyone to act now – charge devices, prepare backup plans and make sure you’re ready.”

Victorians can prepare by:

• Charging phones and other devices.
• Keeping a battery-powered radio for real-time updates.
• Having a backup plan for life support equipment or if you rely on power to care for someone.
• Signing up for SMS notifications about power supplies: https://www.powercor.com.au/notify

Powercor has activated its emergency response plan, with extra crews, control room operators, dispatchers, customer service specialists and technical experts ready to respond.

“Our priority is community safety. We’ll be running our network on different settings for safe operating on days of Total Fire Ban.” Ben said. “If an outage happens, crews may need to carry out safety checks and line patrols before restoring power, so restoration can take longer than usual.”

Powercor has cancelled all planned work today to ensure resources are available to respond as quickly as possible to outages that may occur.

For more advice on preparing for outages, visit:
https://www.powercor.com.au/power-outages-and-emergencies/

Advice on how to prepare

Be Safe

• Have a back-up plan if you rely on life support equipment or need electrical items to care for others.
• Plan to keep food safe: set your fridge to 5°C or below. An unopened fridge keeps food for about four hours.
• Have plenty of drinking water if your supply relies on power.
• Pre-cool your home or just the rooms you are using to a comfortable temperature.

Be Smart

• Sign up for SMS notifications and choose your preferences: https://www.powercor.com.au/notify
• Download the VicEmergency app and keep emergency numbers handy.
• Know how to connect computers/tablets to your mobile hotspot.
• Back up computer files.
• Know how to open electric garage doors and gates manually.

Be Ready

• Charge mobile phones, laptops and portable batteries.
• If using a generator, ensure it’s fuelled, operational and you know how to use it safely.
• Have a battery-powered radio for real-time news updates.
• Keep battery-powered lamps or torches handy.
• Know where a relief centre may be available within your community.

WEATHER UPDATE: Tuesday January 27, 9:50am

Temperatures are set to reach record highs today as fires continue to burn in the Otways.

The Colac Herald looked back at January temperatures recorded at the Mount Gellibrand weather station since 2000 ahead of today’s forecast 44 degrees.

The maximum temperature recorded in January in the past 26 years was 2009 when the mercury soared to 44.8 degrees on January 29.

One year later, the temperature hit 43.9 degrees on January 11. Temperatures hit 43 degrees on January 31, 2020, while January 25, 2003 recorded temperatures of 42.3 and January 14, 2014 reached 42.9.

Temperatures climbed to 45.4 degrees at the Mount Gellibrand weather station on February 7, 2009, later known as Black Saturday due to a series of fires breaking out in scorching temperatures across the state including at Weerite. This was the hottest day in the past 26 years.

From VicEmergency Tuesday January 27, 9:21am

The following roads are closed: 

• COLAC-LAVERS HILL ROAD (C155) From: Old Beech Forest Road, Colac-Lavers Hill Road, Main Road, Gellibrand To: Old Beech Forest Road, Main Road, Colac-Lavers Hill Road, Gellibrand
• COLAC-LAVERS HILL ROAD (C155) From: Old Beech Forest Road, Main Road, Colac-Lavers Hill Road, Gellibrand To: Hoveys Road, Barongarook
• COLAC-LAVERS HILL ROAD (C155) From: Hoveys Road, Barongarook To: Barongarook Road, Barongarook
• COLAC-LAVERS HILL ROAD (C155) From: Beech Forest-Lavers Hill Road, Ferguson To: Old Beech Forest Road, Colac-Lavers Hill Road, Main Road, Gellibrand
• HOVEYS ROAD From: Colac-Lavers Hill Road, Barongarook To: Wonga Road, East West Road, BarongarookWest
• EAST WEST ROAD From: Hoveys Road, Wonga Road, Barongarook West To: Carlisle Road, Black Bridge Road, Irrewillipe East
• BLACK BRIDGE ROAD (C161) From: Carlisle Road, East West Road, Irrewillipe East To: Carlisle Road, Irrewillipe,Carlisle River
• CARLISLE ROAD (C161) From: Irrewillipe Road, Irrewillipe East To: East West Road, Black Bridge Road, Irrewillipe East
• CARLISLE ROAD (C161) Black Bridge Road, Irrewillipe, Carlisle River To: Gellibrand-Carlisle Road, Carlisle River 
• IRREWILLIPE ROAD From: Timboon-Colac Road, Irrewillipe To: South Larpent Road, Irrewillipe East, Barongarook West
• IRREWILLIPE ROAD From: Timboon-Colac Road, Irrewillipe To: South Larpent Road, Irrewillipe East, Barongarook West
• TOMAHAWK CREEK ROAD From: Irrewillipe Road, Irrewillipe To: White Peg Road, Irrewillipe

More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.

From VicTraffic, Monday January 26, 4:32pm:

Lavers Hill-Colac Road closed all directions between Lavers Hill-Cobden Road, Lavers Hill and Wait-a-While Rd due to fire.

Authorised access. Please obey the road closure signs. Never drive through areas with active fires. Check VicEmergency for current advice.

See VicTraffic for the full list of road closures.

From Parks Victoria, Monday January 26, 3.30pm

The Carlisle River bushfire is not under control, and extreme fire danger conditions are forecast for tomorrow.

The Great Otway National Park and State Forests will be closed from today, until further notice.

If you have a campsite booking today or during the closure period, your booking will be cancelled and refunded.

Do not travel to parks affected by fire.

From VicEmergency – Barwon South West, Monday January, 2.48pm:

WATCH & ACT – BUSHFIRE – Evacuate Immediately

Incident Location: Carlisle River

Issue Date: Monday 26 January 2026, 02:32 pm

Next Update: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 11:20 am

More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

Due to extreme weather forecast for Tuesday, the fire is predicted to rapidly expand and pose a threat to communities.

This Watch and Act message to Evacuate Immediately is being issued for Beech Forest, Carlisle River, Charleys Creek, Dinmont, Ferguson, Kincaid, Pile Siding, Weeaproinah, Wyelangta.

– There is a bushfire at Carlisle River that is not under control.

– For your safety and to help emergency services, you need to evacuate before sunset today (Monday 26 January).

LEAVE NOW. Police and SES are conducting door-knocking in the area, but they cannot reach every property. Don’t wait for Police.

The message is to leave now.

If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you.

If you are located in Beech Forest, Carlisle River, Charleys Creek, Dinmont, Ferguson, Kincaid, Pile Siding, Weeaproinah, Wyelangt, it is recommended you evacuate immediately and move to a safer location away from the fire.

From VicTraffic, 2.39pm:

Restrictions are in place for a number of roads in the Otways region:

The Colac-Lavers Hill Road is closed from Barongarook Road, with emergency services access only.

Hoveys Road and East West Road is closed, wioth emergency services access only.

Irrewillipe Road is closed in both directions from South Larpent Road to Colac-Timboon Road.

There are more affected roads in this area, with some routes open to residents only.

See VicTraffic for the full list of road closures

From Colac Otway Shire Council, Monday January 26, 1pm:

An Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) is operating at the Colac Showgrounds (Bruce Street, Colac) to support people affected by the nearby fire, including people from surrounding municipalities.

This ERC is accessible to people with domestic animals (companion animals, horses etc.) and for people who are travelling with caravans.

This Emergency Relief Centre will be open 24-hours and people attending the ERC can access support and assistance as required.

An Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) is also operating at Bluewater Leisure Centre (Hearn Street Colac) to support people affected by the nearby fire, including people from surrounding municipalities.

From the Incident Control Centre Colac, Monday January 26, 12.55pm:

EVACUATION WARNINGS ISSUED FOR CARLISLE RIVER FIRE AHEAD OF FIRE CONDITIONS TOMORROW

Residents in the neighbouring towns of the Carlisle River fire, including Gellibrand, Kawarren, Beech Forest, Forrest, Barongarook and surrounding areas in the Otways National Park are being urged to prepare to evacuate today ahead of extreme fire danger conditions tomorrow, as the fire continues to grow.

The Carlisle River fire breached containment lines on Saturday afternoon, and has burned approximately 9400 hectares. Emergency services remain on scene, however with extreme fire danger conditions forecast tomorrow (27 January), the fire may impact southern Otway National Park and coastal communities as far as Lorne and Aireys Inlet.

These conditions significantly increase the likelihood of fire spread, and will pose a serious threat to homes, properties, livestock and lives.

From midday today, Victoria Police and Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) crews began door knocking homes and properties in the Greater Otways area, strongly recommend residents to evacuate immediately. This action is being taken to keep the community safe ahead of tomorrow’s conditions.

Residents from more than 1,100 properties in the Greater Otways area are being asked to evacuate before sunset today.

All visitor sites in the Great Otway National Park and State Forests will be closed from today until further notice.

Forrest-Apollo Bay Road towards Colac is currently open. Increased fire activity may lead to the closure of this road.

Residents are strongly advised to enact their bushfire survival plan immediately and leave early. It is critical that community members follow the direction and advice of emergency services when asked to evacuate.

For those who do not have a safe place to go, an Emergency Relief Centre is open at the Colac Showgrounds for domestic and large animals including horses. Bluewater Leisure Centre in Colac 118-134 Hearn Street Colac is also open but pets are not allowed.

The Grovedale Community Hub, located 45-47 Heyers Road is also open for people and families and can accommodate domestic pets. Pets must be self-managed, kept on a leash or in crates.

Emergency services acknowledge the significant impact recent events have had on the community. However, leaving early is essential to protect lives and reduce risk to both residents and emergency responders.

Let friends, family and emergency services know you are safe with Red Cross Register.Find.Reunite. You can do this if you left your home.

Staying informed is critical at this time, especially if you live or are holidaying in the impacted area.

A statewide Total Fire Ban has also been issued for tomorrow. A Total Fire Ban means no fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air. This includes campfires and some barbecues.

“The conditions tomorrow mean the fire could spread quickly and unpredictably. We strongly recommend people in affected areas to enact their bushfire plan, and leave early to protect themselves and their families,” Colac deputy controller Alistain Drayton said.

“Firefighters and support emergency service agencies are doing everything possible to manage the situation, but staying safe is a shared responsibility.

“Ensure to download the VicEmergency app, set watch zones for your area, and keep listening to your local emergency broadcaster for the latest information.”

Victorians are reminded to never rely on one source for emergency information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including

• VicEmergency app
• www.emergency.vic.gov.au
• Tune in to local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews TV
• Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
• Follow VicEmergency on Facebook and X