Key Takeaways:
- A fire in Victoria’s Otways is expected to spread due to extreme fire weather on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 44 degrees.
- The fire has already forced evacuations from Carlisle River and Gellibrand, and residents have been told it is not yet safe to return.
- Fire authorities are concerned about the potential for the fire to affect air quality in parts of Victoria, including Melbourne.
- Firefighters from across Australia and New Zealand are working to contain the blaze, with crews from Canada due to arrive to assist.
- The community is preparing for worsening conditions, with some residents staying behind to protect their homes and others taking precautions to protect their stock.
Introduction to the Otways Fire
The Otways fire in Victoria is a growing concern for fire authorities, with the blaze expected to spread due to extreme fire weather on Tuesday. The fire has already forced evacuations from Carlisle River and Gellibrand, and residents have been told it is not yet safe to return. State Response Controller Jason Heffernan has warned that the fire is not contained and will not be contained before the extreme weather arrives, with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees in the area.
Fire Spread and Evacuations
The fire spread to within kilometres of Gellibrand on Sunday morning, prompting evacuations from the area. The threat was reduced to Watch and Act level on Sunday night, but residents have been told it is not yet safe to return. Mr. Heffernan has expressed concern about the potential for the fire to spread, stating that conditions will be very challenging and that the fire is expected to affect air quality in some parts of Victoria, including Melbourne. The fire has already had a significant impact on the community, with some residents staying behind to protect their homes and others taking precautions to protect their stock.
Firefighting Efforts
Fire authorities are working to contain the blaze, with firefighters from across Australia and New Zealand assisting in the effort. Crews from Canada are also due to arrive to help, and will be deployed to the Walwa fire and another blaze at Wonnangatta in the Alpine region. The fire is a significant challenge for firefighters, with the extreme weather conditions expected to make it difficult to contain. Mr. Heffernan has warned that the fire will be very tiring for firefighters, who will be working in challenging conditions to try and contain the blaze.
Air Quality Concerns
The Otways fire is expected to affect air quality in some parts of Victoria, including Melbourne. The Environmental Protection Agency is forecasting extremely poor air quality for the south-west part of the state and very poor for the central and north-central regions, including Melbourne. Senior meteorologist Sarah Scully has warned that the smoke from the fire will be low-lying on Monday due to a temperature inversion, but that this is expected to break during the afternoon. The poor air quality is a concern for residents, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions.
Community Preparation
The community is preparing for worsening conditions, with some residents staying behind to protect their homes and others taking precautions to protect their stock. Cherry Smith, who owns the Gellibrand River General Store, has stayed behind to keep the store open and provide supplies to those who are trying to protect their properties. She has described the experience as "tiring" and "a bit surreal", but has praised the community for being supportive and calm in the face of the fire threat. The community is coming together to support each other, with many residents taking precautions to prepare for the worsening conditions.
Conclusion
The Otways fire is a significant concern for fire authorities and the community, with the blaze expected to spread due to extreme fire weather on Tuesday. The fire has already had a significant impact on the community, with evacuations and concerns about air quality. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, with assistance from across Australia and New Zealand. The community is preparing for worsening conditions, with many residents taking precautions to protect their homes and stock. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for residents to stay informed and follow the advice of fire authorities to stay safe.
