Source: VIC Emergency

Emergency Warning - Bushfire - Leave Immediately

Issued Today at 4:34 PM.

This Emergency Warning is being issued for Barongarook, Barongarook West, Carlisle River, Gellibrand, Irrewillipe, Irrewillipe East, Kawarren, Lovat.
There is a bushfire at Carlisle River that is not yet under control.
The bushfire is travelling from Carlilse River A wind change is expected around 5:30pm. This will cause the fire to change directions towards Barongarook. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.

Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
What you should do:

An Emergency Relief Centre has been set up at the Colac Showgrounds, entry via Bruce Street for anyone displaced by the Otway fires.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's no pet food available at this time.Additional information is available at Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural, 95-97 Gellibrand St, Colac.

Travel to:
The home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
You should leave using a northerly direction towards Colac.
When you leave remember to take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
In the car:
If you are travelling, do not enter the area. Make a u-turn and travel to safety.
Slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.
If you are unable to leave you should shelter indoors:
Close all exterior doors, windows and vents. Turn off cooling systems.
You must take shelter before the fire arrives. The extreme heat is likely to kill you well before the flames reach you.
Shelter in a room that has two exits, such as a door or window including one directly to the outside. It is important to be able to see outside so you know what is happening with the fire.
If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.
If you cannot get indoors, other last resort options include:
Shelter in the middle of a large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve.
Get into a large body of water like a dam, lake, river, the ocean or inground pool.
Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
If you are caught in fire in your car:
Park behind a solid structure to block the fire's heat or pull over to cleared area.
Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
Turn on your hazard lights and headlights.
Close all windows.
Turn off the air-conditioning and shut all the air vents.
Turn your car engine off.
Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a pure woollen blanket.
Impacts in your area:
The following roads are closed:
Black Bridge Road: from Carlisle Road, East West Road, Irrewillipe East to Carlisle Road, Irrewillipe, Carlisle River and from: Carlisle Road, East West Road, Irrewillipe East to: Carlisle Road, Irrewillipe, Carlisle River.
Carlisle Road: from Black Bridge Road to Gellibrand-Carlisle Road ClosedTomahawk Creek Road: from: Irrewillipe Road, Irrewillipe to: White Peg Road, Irrewillipe
Irrewillipe Road: from: Timboon-Colac Road, Irrewillipe to: South Larpent Road, Irrewillipe East, Barongarook West

This messages was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 24/01/2026 07:40 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).
Tune in to 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.

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