Up-date... the wind increased, re-igniting the previously "under control" fire at Deans gap which then travelled south-west, crossed the Princes highway about 4 or 5 pm. The hway remains closed, along with quite a few other major and minor roads in a large area between the coast and Canberra. Dont know where people who are travelling would go, my thoughts go out to them stuck on a highway overnight.
We got txts from the rfs, first warned of catastrophic fire danger, a later one said stay in place, and then "Leave now" about 4pm. So we did. We enjoyed the air-con at the local club, had dinner there, met a few other people, but the problem was that even though it was an official evacuation centre, nobody seemed to have any up-to-date info on the progress of the fire. Really frustrating! Reminded me of the shermozzle of the Canberra fires 10 years ago, and added to peoples stress. A bloke we were sitting with went for a drive to have a look round the town, came back to let us know where the roads are closed... ours was open so we came home after the cool change.
The local radio has been the best source of news, much better than the rfs web-site.

This morning its cool and we are safe and comfortable, theres a big fire still burning mostly in local national parks, its not over yet.

Theres a lot of people around the country who've lost their homes/ businesses and have huge job ahead recovering from it all. The firies everywhere  have done such a wonderful job, it could be much much worse. Bless them all.

Thank you to all who offered help and support, especially to the forum member who offered accommodation, very much appreciated.

Glad to hear you are both safe Gerty. Our neighbour has a cabin at a nearby CP and was going up to clean it up today for sale but that plan is on hold with roads closed. I said it was a pity he didn't have it insured in case it burnt down.
Stay safe and hope this new wind doesn't cause a change in fire direction. At least the cooler temp will make it easier for firies.
Princes Hwy closure is difficult with all the other roads nearby also closed. People will just have to be patient and sensible.

Thanks hope all goes well and be safe. Its cooled down here in Wattle Grove about 30kms from Perth this is the first day the aircon has been turned off since before Chrisymas.

Weather a lot cooler today, local fires apparently not a threat to our village although still burning in the mountains further inland.

It has been frustrating and frightening trying to get up-to-date accurate information, the local radio station has been broadcasting fire updates regularly, but it seems the information is never reassuring, always warning. Quite the opposite of the Canberra disaster when we were told "its only a fire out in the hills", right up to the day it hit the city burning 500 houses and killing 5 people. Maybe thats what made the PR people a lot more cautious?. Anyway, all seems fine today, no smoke, roads open, business as usual.

Someone suggested that arsonists should be made to get involved with euthanasing the burnt animals... I think they are so sick-minded they'd probably not be at all upset. Making them work in the clean-up might be better, dont think they'd like that dirty hot hard work.