Source: VIC Emergency

Watch and Act - Bushfire - Not Safe to Return

Issued Today at 1:37 PM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Carranballac, Streatham and the rural area of Skipton.
It is Not Safe to Return to Carranballac, Streatham and the rural area of Skipton.
Hazardous trees and fallen powerlines, pose a significant risk to residents attempting to return home.
A hazardous tree assessment team is working to re-open roads.
Although fire activity has subsided in the Streatham area, emergency services are still operating within the area.
If you left Carranballac, Streatham and the rural area of Skipton, it is Not Safe to Return. Be aware of potential dangerous bushfire and tree hazards.
What you should do:

A community meeting is being held at Streatham Memorial Hall, 30 Campbell Street, Streatham on Saturday 10 January 2026 at 2:00pm.
This meeting will be live streamed on the Ararat Rural City Council facebook page.

A community meeting is being held at Skipton Mechanics Halls, 5 Anderson Street, Skipton on Saturday 10 January 2026 at 4:00pm.

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 the Beaufort Community Bank Complex - 39 Park Road, Beaufort.
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:
The Glenelg Highway is closed between: Eurambeen-Streatham Road, Streatham and Pittong-Lismore Road, Skipton.
Stockyard Hill Road at Park Road in Beaufort.
Glenelg Highway at Lake Bolac.
Eurambeen-Streatham Road at Mt William Road.
Rossbridge-Streatham Road at Mortlake-Ararat Road, Rossbridge.
Check the VicTraffic website (www.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.

The next update is expected by 10/01/2026 06:00 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