Key Takeaways:
- Residents near the Gellibrand fire in Victoria’s south-west are being urged to evacuate immediately ahead of extreme fire danger forecast for tomorrow
- Four evacuation orders have been issued for areas east of the fire, with residents in Lorne and Anglesea advised to monitor conditions
- The fire has grown to 8600 hectares in size, with at least one home lost over the weekend
- Extreme heat is forecast across Victoria tomorrow, which could see the fire spread dramatically
- Residents are advised to prepare their bushfire survival plans and evacuate to a safe location, with three relief centers established in the area
Introduction to the Bushfire Crisis
The situation in Victoria’s south-west is becoming increasingly dire, with a bushfire raging out of control in the Otways. The fire, which has been burning since January 10, has grown to 8600 hectares in size and has already claimed at least one home. Residents in the area are being urged to evacuate immediately, with four evacuation orders issued for areas east of the fire. The extreme heat forecast for tomorrow has authorities on high alert, with warnings that the fire could spread as far as Lorne and Aireys Inlet.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings
The evacuation orders were issued midday for anyone in the path of the Gellibrand fire, with residents in four zones east of the fire advised to leave immediately. The affected areas include Gellibrand, Carlisle River, Barongarook, Kawarren, Forrest, Beech Forest, and surrounding areas in the Great Otway National Park. Police and SES are door-knocking the area, urging people to leave, but have warned that they may not reach every property. Residents are being advised not to wait for police to arrive, but to leave as soon as possible. A watch and act warning has also been issued for Lorne and Anglesea, with residents urged to prepare their bushfire survival plans and monitor conditions.
Fire Danger and Spread
The fire broke containment lines on Saturday night, and authorities fear that the extreme heat forecast for tomorrow could see it spread dramatically. The fire may impact southern Otway National Park and coastal communities as far as Lorne and Aireys Inlet. Residents are being advised to monitor conditions and be ready to act, with the situation able to change at any time. The safest evacuation route is via Birregurra-Forrest Rd and Forrest-Apollo Bay Road towards Colac, but authorities have warned that Forrest-Apollo Bay Road may be closed if the fire activity reaches its vicinity.
Relief Centers and Support
Three relief centers have been established for people who do not have a safe place to go. These centers are located at Colac Showgrounds, Colac Blue Water Fitness, and Grovedale Community Hub. The Colac Showgrounds is the only center that can accommodate large domestic animals. 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, with a series of watch-and-act warnings remaining in place for other major bushfires burning across the state.
Preparation and Safety
Residents are being advised to prepare their bushfire survival plans and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes having a plan in place, monitoring conditions, and being ready to act. The fire authorities are urging residents to take the situation seriously and to evacuate to a safe location. The extreme heat forecast for tomorrow is a major concern, and residents are being advised to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties. With the fire situation able to change at any time, residents are being urged to stay informed and to follow the instructions of fire authorities.
