Source: VIC Emergency

Watch and Act - Bushfire - Not Safe to Return

Issued Today at 11:55 AM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Carlisle River, Charleys Creek, Ferguson, Gellibrand, Lovat, Wimba, Wyelangta.

It is Not Safe to Return to Carlisle River, Charleys Creek, Ferguson, Gellibrand, Lovat, Wimba, Wyelangta.

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

This Watch and Act message replaces the Watch and Act issued at 7:04 pm Wednesday 28th January.

If you left Carlisle River, Charleys Creek, Ferguson, Gellibrand, Lovat, Wimba, Wyelangta, it is Not Safe to Return. Be aware of potential dangerous bushfire and tree hazards.

What you should do:

If you have not already left:
Stay where you are and avoid dangerous bushfire and tree hazards.
Check you have enough food, drinking water and medications - if you do not, phone Triple Zero (000) for assistance.
If you have already left:
Do not return to your home until a Safe to Return notification is issued.
A relief centre is open at:
Colac Showgrounds, entry via Bruce Street. Domestic or large animals including horses can be brought with you to the Colac Showgrounds. Pets must be self-managed, kept on a leash or in crates. There is no pet food available at this time.
Register at a relief centre so your friends, family and authorities can be informed that you are safe.
Stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.
Impacts in your area:
The following roads are closed:
Colac-Lavers Hill Road between Lavers Hill Road and Hoveys Road intersection to the north and Lavers Hill Road and Beech Forest-Lavers Hill Road intersection to the south.
Gellibrand Carlisle Road is closed.
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 30/01/2026 01:10 pm or as the situation changes.

Use multiple sources to stay informed:
www.emergency.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226
VicEmergency app
Facebook or Twitter (#VicFires)
ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency. To access this information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service for assistance and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.

CFA Current Bushfires