Source: VIC Emergency

Watch and Act - Bushfire - Not Safe to Return

Issued Today at 7:58 AM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Carranballac, Stoneleigh and the rural area of Skipton.
This grassfire is now contained.
However, it is Not Safe to Return to Carranballac, Stoneleigh 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 continue work to re-open roads.
Powercor are on scene assessing and repairing critical infrastructure with significant progress made .
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:

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 recovery centre is open at the Beaufort Community Resource Centre, 72 Neill Street, Beaufort from 10am to 5pm.
A recovery hub is open at the Skipton Mechanics Hall, 5 Anderson Street, Skipton from 10am to 4pm.
Community Meetings:
Community meetings will be held on Tuesday, 13 January 2026 at the below locations:
12pm at Beaufort Community Bank Complex (17 Lawrence Street, Beaufort)
2pm at Streatham Memorial Hall (30 Campbell Street, Streatham)
4pm at Skipton Mechanics Hall (5 Anderson Street, Skipton)
Powercor Mobile Emergency Response Vehicle:
Representatives will be at Skipton Mechanics Hall on Monday, 12 January 2026 from 10am with the Mobile Emergency Response Vehicle.
This is an opportunity for the community to talk to Powercor about power supply and it has capacity to charge up to 20 mobile devices.

Road closures have changed:
The Glenelg Highway is closed between: Eurambeen-Streatham Road, Streatham and Skipton-Geelong Rd, Skipton. Access to residents only via Skipton-Geelong Rd Traffic Management point.
Eurambeen-Streatham Road at Richies Road
Intersection of Mt William Road and Beaufort-Carranballac Road to Carngham-Streatham Rd.
Lismore-Skipton Road at Leydens Lane
Vite-Vite Skipton Road at Walkers Road
4km South of Darlington-Carranballac Road
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.

CFA Current Bushfires