Source: VIC Emergency

Issued Today at 10:11 AM.
This Watch and Act message is being issued for Acheron, Alexandra, Ancona, Cathkin, Caveat, Creightons Creek, Devils River, Dropmore, Fawcett, Ghin Ghin, Gobur, Gooram, Highlands, Kanumbra, Kelvin View, Killingworth, Koriella, Limestone, Longwood, Longwood East, Maintongoon, Merton, Molesworth, Old Longwood, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Terip Terip, Thornton, Upton Hill, Whanregarwen, Woodfield, Yarck, Yea.

This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act message issued at 9.47am on Friday 16th January.
There is a bushfire that started 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.
Fire crews and aircraft continue to work in and patrol these areas.

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 and surrounding areas 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:

Road closure and opening information - The Goulburn Valley Highway from Yea, to Cathkin is now open. This includes the road network from Cathkin to Alexandra - Goulburn Valley Highway merging to the Maroondah Highway.
These roads have been opened as an access level C - Authorised Access for residents and essential services.
This allows access to - Local residents returning to their homes, People providing recovery and relief and essential services to residents in this area, Council or VicRoads employees or subcontractors, Business owners in the immediate area of Ruffy, DEECA or Ag Vic staff facilitating the treatment and humane destruction of injured animals, Individuals or groups delivering relief and aid to residents and animals.
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.

CFA Current Bushfires