Firefighters say the Christmas Day bushfire that destroyed more than a hundred homes in Victoria could flare up again on New Year's Eve.
Cooler conditions have calmed the blaze, but temperatures are set to rise later this week, prompting fresh warnings for residents to stay vigilant.
Abbie O'Brien reports.
As another holiday draws near, authorities are warning danger could strike again along Victoria's Great Ocean Road.
Over a hundred homes have already been lost in the bushfire that raged along the road on Victoria's Surf Coast on Christmas Day.
And as New Year's Eve approaches, so, too, are more threatening conditions.
Temperatures are expected soar to 37 degrees on December 31.
Sarah Henderson is the Federal MP for Corangamite -- the area affected by the fires.
She has told the ABC the deteriorating conditions are causing concern.
"There are some big safety concerns as we move towards New Year's Day. Very hot temperatures are expected, and they have been forecast. The fire, particularly the western front of the fire, that perimeter is still not contained, and that's causing a lot of concern. With these hot temperatures, it could turn very, very quickly."
Firefighters are continuing work to contain the fire, which remains active.
Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Joe Buffone says his team is preparing for the worst, and he is urging the community to do the same.
"We've still got about a hundred people on the fire. We've got about 50 trucks, we've got aircraft, and we're doing worst case scenario planning in that area. So we're actually asking the community down in that area to enjoy the coast, make the most of it, but please be vigilant and keep in touch with what's going on. And take heed of the information and warnings that we'll be providing in the lead-up to New Year's Eve."
And as clean-up operations continue, the economic impact on the coastal area is coming into focus.
The region looks set to lose 50 million dollars in tourism earnings unless holidaymakers decide to come back for what is the coastal area's busiest time of the year.
Pubs that usually pre-book up to 200 meals per day for tourists are empty.
And there are reports shops are being forced to lay off casual workers hired to cater for the post-Boxing Day tourist influx.
Wye Beach Hotel manager Angus Green has told the ABC the area is virtually deserted.
"We rely on tourist trade and, given that the road's closed and the town's closed, there's none of them here at the moment. It's quite a sombre, sombre scene, I suppose, and very quiet. With the Ocean Road being closed, there's obviously very little traffic coming in and out."
Ms Henderson is urging people to return to the area once it is deemed safe.
"We need people back in here, because this is a very important time for the local economy. Places like Kennett River and Wye River need the tourism, and so I know how hard authorities are working to make these towns safe and get people back in."
Some residents have been allowed back in to see what was left.
Fallen powerlines and trees are the main hazards for those returning.
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews says efforts to prevent another tragedy and deal with those dangers remain a priority.
"Thursday and Friday are a big concern. As well, of course, trying to get the power back on, the road reopened, dealing with those trees that are very dangerous and providing emotional and practical support to those who have lost their homes."
