Source: VIC Emergency

Watch and Act - Bushfire - Prepare to Evacuate
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Issued Today at 11:42 AM.

Due to extreme weather forecast for Tuesday, the fire is predicted to rapidly expand and pose a threat to nearby areas.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Barongarook, Barongarook West, Beech Forest, Carlisle River, Coram, Elliminyt, Gellibrand, Gerangamete, Irrewillipe, Irrewillipe East, Kawarren, Larpent, Lovat, Tulloh, Wimba, Yeo.
It is strongly recommended that you Prepare to evacuate before sunset today (Monday 26 January).
There is a bushfire at Carlisle River and Gellibrand that is not yet under control.
If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you.
If you are located in Barongarook, Barongarook West, Beech Forest, Carlisle River, Coram, Elliminyt, Gellibrand, Gerangamete, Irrewillipe, Irrewillipe East, Kawarren, Larpent, Lovat, Tulloh, Wimba, Yeo., act now to protect your life.

Prepare to evacuate before sunset today (Monday 26 January).

LEAVE NOW.

Police and SES are conducting door-knocking in the area, but they may not reach every property. Don't wait for Police. The message is to leave today.
What you should do:

You should pack:
Cash
Clothing for three days
Medicine for three days
Phone and chargers
Toiletries
Important documents
Momentos and photos
Pet essentials, including leash and carriers.
If possible, make sure your neighbours are aware of the situation and check if they need help.
Check the VicRoads website for road closures.
When you are ready, you should leave immediately. Don't wait to be told when to leave.

Where to go:
You can go to friends or family in a safer location.
Relief centres available:
Colac Showgrounds - enter via Bruce Street - This is the only centre that you can take large domestic animals
Colac Blue water fitness 118-134 Hearn St
Grovedale Community Hub. 45-47 Heyers Road
Directions and routes:
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
The safest evacuation route is Birregurra-Forrest Rd and Forrest-Apollo Bay Road towards Colac. Increased fire activity may lead to the closure of these roads
Consider roads may become busy closer to the time of impact.
Evacuation assistance:
If you need assistance to evacuate, call 000.
Impacts in your area:

Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.

The following roads are:
COLAC-LAVERS HILL ROAD (C155) From: Old Beech Forest Road, Colac-Lavers Hill Road, Main Road, Gellibrand To: Old Beech Forest Road, Main Road, Colac-Lavers Hill Road, Gellibrand
COLAC-LAVERS HILL ROAD (C155) From: Old Beech Forest Road, Main Road, Colac-Lavers Hill Road, Gellibrand To: Hoveys Road, Barongarook
COLAC-LAVERS HILL ROAD (C155) From: Hoveys Road, Barongarook To: Barongarook Road, Barongarook
COLAC-LAVERS HILL ROAD (C155) From: Beech Forest-Lavers Hill Road, Ferguson To: Old Beech Forest Road, Colac-Lavers Hill Road, Main Road, Gellibrand
HOVEYS ROAD From: Colac-Lavers Hill Road, Barongarook To: Wonga Road, East West Road, Barongarook West
EAST WEST ROAD From: Hoveys Road, Wonga Road, Barongarook West To: Carlisle Road, Black Bridge Road, Irrewillipe East
BLACK BRIDGE ROAD (C161) From: Carlisle Road, East West Road, Irrewillipe East To: Carlisle Road, Irrewillipe, Carlisle River
CARLISLE ROAD (C161) From: Irrewillipe Road, Irrewillipe East To: East West Road, Black Bridge Road, Irrewillipe East
CARLISLE ROAD (C161) Black Bridge Road, Irrewillipe, Carlisle River To: Gellibrand-Carlisle Road, Carlisle River
IRREWILLIPE ROAD From: Timboon-Colac Road, Irrewillipe To: South Larpent Road, Irrewillipe East, Barongarook West
IRREWILLIPE ROAD From: Timboon-Colac Road, Irrewillipe To: South Larpent Road, Irrewillipe East, Barongarook West
TOMAHAWK CREEK ROAD From: Irrewillipe Road, Irrewillipe To: White Peg Road, Irrewillipe
All parks and camp grounds in the area are closed.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 27/01/2026 11:50 am 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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