Despite the call-outs, the fire is still listed as contained.
Safety for the community and responding emergency services remains the top priority.
Crews have been working to identify, assess and remove dangerous trees along key roads to ensure access for critical services, residents and businesses.
This includes providing safe access for ambulances, police, school buses, deliveries of hay and fodder, and crews working to restore power and water.
Some trees have either been destroyed or partially damaged by fire and cannot safely remain untreated along roadsides.
Major damage has occurred to road surfaces and infrastructure including destruction of guardrails, barriers, guideposts, speed and hazardous road signage, bridges, reflective studs and other road safety features.
These impacts directly compromise safety for road users, especially at night and for those unfamiliar with local road conditions.
Four shire councils — Mitchell, Mansfield, Murrindindi and Strathbogie – and the VIctorian Department of Transport and Planning are working collaboratively with emergency services to restore road access.
Initial hazardous tree work has been completed, with secondary road assessments now being undertaken by local councils and road authorities.
Many main and local roads remain closed to the general public to ensure works can be completed as soon as possible.
This also ensures minimal traffic is in the affected area while works take place, providing prompt access for local residents and emergency services.
The Department of Education is supporting work to restore school bus routes so children can attend school safely for the start of term one.
In positive news, the Goulburn Valley Hwy, the Maroondah Hwy and Euroa-Mansfield Rd reopened to all road users at 9am on Thursday, January 29.
Visitors are welcome and encouraged to come to the area to support local communities and businesses where it is safe and appropriate to do so but are asked to do so with respect and consideration for those impacted by fire.
