Source: VIC Emergency

Issued Today at 11:27 AM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Alexandra, Yea, Tarcombe, Ruffy, Longwood East, Yarck, Eildon and surrounds.

- This Watch and Act replace the Watch and Act message issued at 10.32pm on Tuesday 13th January.
- There is a bushfire at Longwood that is not yet under control. Many roads in this area have been impacted by fire, and damaged trees are continually falling across these roads. Roads are being prioritised and assessed for safe access.
- There will be smoke visible today with firefighters conducting burning out operations to strengthen containment lines.
- Fire crews and aircraft continue to work in and patrol these areas.

ESCORTED CONVOYS

Emergency services will be facilitating strictly controlled, escorted access for specific priority needs only. This is NOT open to the general public for routine travel.

Access is restricted to: Emergency Stock Feed & Water Transports, Emergency Services Personnel and vehicles, Essential workers (healthcare workers, utility repairs, critical infrastructure etc, and Personal critical needs (such as urgent medical supplies).

Departure point:

All convoys will depart from the Traffic Management point on the Goulburn Valley Hwy, Yea.

Escort Schedule (departure time)
Please arrive 15 mins prior, escorts will depart from the assembly point at the following times only:

- 7.00am
- 8.30am
- 12.30pm
- 3.30pm

The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.

Traffic Management Points are currently in place across the impacted area due to the high level of danger to the community posed by falling trees.

We're asking those who are not local to the area to avoid unnecessary travel to respect that only people who need to get through will be given access. Traffic management points are in place to ensure your safety and you may be asked for ID.

What you should do:

- Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
- Enact your fire survival plan.
- If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.
- If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
- Protect yourself and your family.
- Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe.

Remember to:

- Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
- Many people have died trying to leave at the last minute during fires.
- Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.

Impacts in your area:

- Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
- Trees can fall across roads and cause dangerous driving conditions.

This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.

CFA Current Bushfires