Type Status Location Last Updated
Watch and Act - Fire - Leave Now Moderate Forrest 16/12/2025
This Watch & Act message is being issued for Forrest.

  • There is a bushfire at Forrest that is not yet under control.
  • The bushfire is travelling in a southerly direction towards Colac-Forrest Road.
  • The bushfire could impact houses south of Colac-Forrest Road, including Aroona Court any time between 2.00pm and 4.00pm.
Don't wait, leaving now is the safest option - conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency Services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
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.
  • Protect yourself and your family.
  • If you are away from home, do not return.
  • Travel via the Birregurra-Forrest Road to Colac.
  • Defending a house requires: 
  • At least two fit and determined adults who are physically and mentally prepared to work long and hard in arduous and difficult conditions 
  • At least 10,000 litres of water (not from mains supply which can fail during a fire) 
  • Protective clothing 
  • Appropriate firefighting hoses and pumps. 

If the situation changes or you feel unsafe you should leave:
  • 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 or Colac.

Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay. 
Impacts in your area: 
  • Whelan Road is closed.
  • Bushfires can start spot fires and embers some distance ahead of the main fire.
  • Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
This message was issued by Country Fire Authority.

The next update is expected by 16/12/2025 12:30 pm or as the situation changes.

Use multiple sources to stay informed:

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 on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.