Source: VIC Emergency

Issued Today at 3:22 PM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Gellibrand, Lovat and sections of Carlisle River..

The a bushfire that started at Carlisle River is not yet under control.

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, and working to make access safe for local community members.

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

The threat is reduced, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.

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.
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:
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.
Traffic Management Points may also be in place.
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 31/01/2026 04:30 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. For 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