Residents in communities surrounding the Carlisle River fire in Victoria’s Great Otway National Park are being urged to prepare to evacuate today, with authorities warning that extreme fire danger conditions forecast for Monday could drive rapid and unpredictable fire spread.
Emergency services say the fire breached containment lines on Saturday afternoon and has now burned about 9,400 hectares. While crews remain on the ground, officials are concerned that tomorrow’s conditions could push the fire further through the southern Otways and towards coastal areas, with Lorne and Aireys Inlet among the communities that may be affected if the situation worsens.
From midday today, Victoria Police and Victoria State Emergency Service teams began door knocking properties in the Greater Otways area, strongly recommending residents leave immediately rather than wait for conditions to deteriorate. More than 1,100 properties have been identified as being in areas where people are being asked to evacuate before sunset.
Authorities have warned that the forecast weather increases the likelihood of the fire spreading quickly, posing a serious risk to homes, livestock and lives. Residents are being advised to act on their bushfire survival plans now and leave early, with emergency services stressing that early evacuation reduces danger for both community members and responders.
Visitor sites across the Great Otway National Park and State Forests will be closed from today until further notice. The Forrest-Apollo Bay Road towards Colac remains open at this stage, though officials say increased fire activity could lead to closures.
For people who do not have a safe place to go, an Emergency Relief Centre is open at the Colac Showgrounds and can accommodate domestic animals and large animals, including horses. The Bluewater Leisure Centre in Colac at 118 to 134 Hearn Street is also open, but pets are not permitted there. A further relief option is available at the Grovedale Community Hub at 45 to 47 Heyers Road, which can take families and domestic pets, provided animals are kept on a leash or in crates and are self-managed.
Emergency services have also encouraged people who have left home to let others know they are safe through Red Cross Register.Find.Reunite.
A statewide Total Fire Ban has been issued for Monday, meaning no fires can be lit or allowed to remain alight in the open air. This includes campfires and some barbecues, and residents are being urged to check restrictions carefully and avoid any activity that could spark a fire.
Colac Deputy Incident Controller Alistair Drayton said the predicted conditions could make the fire behaviour difficult to control.
“The conditions tomorrow mean the fire could spread quickly and unpredictably. We strongly recommend people in affected areas to enact their bushfire plan, and leave early to protect themselves and their families,” he said.
“Firefighters and support emergency service agencies are doing everything possible to manage the situation, but staying safe is a shared responsibility.”
Drayton urged residents and visitors to stay informed through official channels, including the VicEmergency app, emergency.vic.gov.au, local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio and the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. He also encouraged people to set watch zones and follow updates through VicEmergency on Facebook and X.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
