Bushfires started at approximately 2.00pm on 25 September in the state's east.  The fires are affecting traffic and the Princess Highway has been cut off.  All traffic is being diverted to the refuge centre.

Overnight, Australian Red Cross volunteers registered 15 people at the evacuation centre and provided them with accommodation.  Throughout the day many more have arrived and there are now 40 people who have registered their whereabouts.  When evacuees register their details Australian Red Cross is able to assist people concerned about the safety and well being of their loved ones.

Red Cross is currently providing catering for the Police and State Emergency Service (SES) who are responding to the bushfires.

The Rural Ambulance Service of Victoria has put the Red Cross Orbost and Cann River First Aid units on standby so they are able to respond quickly if the situation changes.  Australian Red Cross volunteers from neighbouring regions in Yarram and Sale are also on stand by and ready to respond if required.