Daily London
Four evacuation orders were issued around midday for anyone in the path of the Gellibrand fire in the Otways, which has been burning since January 10.
Scorching conditions over the weekend caused the fire to nearly double in size and break containment lines on Saturday night.
The fire has grown to 8600 hectares in size, sparking warnings that dangerous conditions tomorrow could see it spread as far as Lorne and Aireys Inlet.
At least one home was lost to the fire over the weekend, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan confirmed.
Residents from more than 1100 properties across a large zone east of the fire have been urged to evacuate before sunset today, ahead of increased bushfire danger tomorrow.
Residents from more than two dozen towns, including Gellibrand, Carlisle River, Barongarook, Kawarren, Forrest, Beech Forest and surrounding areas in the Great Otway National Park are in danger and should evacuate now to protect their lives, a warning from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) said.
Police and SES are door-knocking the area urging people to leave, but warned they may not reach every property.
“Don’t wait for Police. The message is to leave today,” FFMVic said.
“When you are ready, you should leave immediately. Don’t wait to be told when to leave.”
A watch and act warning that stretches as far as Lorne and Anglesea has been issued, with residents urged to prepare their bushfire survival plans.
“The fire may impact southern Otway National Park and coastal communities as far as Lorne and Aireys Inlet,” VicEmergency said.
“The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act,” FFMVic said.
“Bushfire danger is expected to increase on Tuesday 27th January. Community members are encouraged to prepare their bushfire survival plan now and, if staying, ensure their property is ready.”
The safest evacuation route is Birregurra-Forrest Rd and Forrest-Apollo Bay Road towards Colac, but authorities have warned Forrest-Apollo Bay Road may be closed if the fire activity reaches its vicinity.
Three relief centres have been established at the following locations for people who do not have a safe place to go:
- Colac Showgrounds – enter via Bruce Street – This is the only centre that you can take large domestic animals
- Colac Blue Water Fitness 118-134 Hearn St
- Grovedale Community Hub. 45-47 Heyers Road
All parks and campgrounds in the area, including the Great Otway National Park, are closed.
A statewide Total Fire Ban has also been issued for tomorrow.
A series of watch-and-act warnings remain in place for other major bushfires burning across the state, including the Walwa fire and the Dargo/Wonnangatta fire.
