Communities across East Gippsland have been left feeling like prisoners in their own towns.

Key points: The Princes Highway from Orbost to the New South Wales border has been closed since December 30

The Princes Highway from Orbost to the New South Wales border has been closed since December 30 It is the only route to many towns in East Gippsland, including Cann River

It is the only route to many towns in East Gippsland, including Cann River Residents have been stuck in town with dwindling supplies, while those who evacuated are still separated from family and pets

The Princes Highway is the only route to many towns in Victoria's south-east, but a police roadblock at Orbost prevents the public from travelling through to the New South Wales border.

The road has temporarily reopened until 8:00pm to allow locals with permits to travel to and from Cann River.

They had not been allowed in and out for weeks, as the highway was closed due to the risk of potentially "killer trees" along the roadside.

Father of two and firefighter Bill Slade was struck by a falling tree while containing a fire in Anglers Rest near Omeo on January 11.

"It's got to be safe. We don't want any more fatalities from the fires as a result of these hazardous trees," incident controller Brett Mitchell said.

'It's been a nightmare'

Cassarndra Skarratt was involved in defending the school at Cann River when fires went through the town.

She is back on her farm at Noorinbee North, and like many other locals is frustrated by how long the highway has remained closed.

Robert Puyenbroek and Cassarndra Skarratt have been cut off at their farm in Noorinbee. ( Supplied: Cassarndra Skarratt )

"People are eager for everyone to get home," she said.

"We know it's unsafe on the roads, but it's very frustrating for all involved."

Ms Skarratt said her son, daughter-in-law and their children had been stranded for weeks.

"They left Cann River on the first convoy, through the burning bush, and they haven't been able to get back in," she said.

"Not knowing where they are or how and when they're going to get back — it's been a nightmare.

"I do sympathise with authorities, this is unprecedented. We haven't had any fires like this for as long as I can possibly remember.

"Communication is key. A lot of the time we've asked questions and we've had very minimal answers, if any answers at all.

"It's very important to know what's going on around you, and when you're isolated emotions flare up and people get frustrated."

Weeks of anxiety for a 'forgotten' town

Daniel Gardner and his family evacuated Cann River on December 29.

"We got a knock on the door from police to evacuate to the Cann River relief centre. We stayed there for three or four nights, then they advised another evacuation to Orbost," he said.

Daniel Gardner and his family had been stranded in Orbost. ( ABC Gippsland: Jane McNaughton )

The family spent weeks with relatives across the state and relied on friends and family to look after their animals.

"We evacuated thinking we'd be back in a few days, we've got pets at home ... cats, poultry and our goat Cann," Mr Gardner said.

"Cann's been quite the celebrity. I've seen photos of him at the servo and he's become the mascot of the town."

Mr Gardner's wife, Annette Stubbs, visited the Orbost Incident Control Centre daily in search for answers.

"They said the road will be open when it's open, and that's like how long is a piece of string," he said.

"There has been a lot of talk about other areas that have been affected by fires, and Cann River seems to be a little forgotten town."

Some permits have been issued to residents, business owners, relief and recovery workers and animal rescue crews to temporarily use the highway.

Cann the goat became a celebrity while his family was stranded. ( Supplied: Daniel Gardner )

The Gardners received a permit to return home under escort on Saturday night with just an hour's notice.

"We're very relieved. The kids are actually sleeping in their own beds," Mr Gardner said.

"We've had hugs when we got back and a couple of beers and it's great to be home."

In addition to the anxiety caused by displacement, finances have also been stretched.

"My family got the Victorian Government payment of just under $2,000, but we've exhausted that now," Mr Gardner said.

"With expenses like fuel, medicine, food, accommodation and everyday necessities, that doesn't go very far in a family of five.

"You don't think of the small things when you leave, we just packed what the car could carry and left.