Melbourne is forecast to touch 45 degrees today, as extreme heat and dangerous fire conditions heighten concerns across Victoria, with communities near the Carlisle River fire in the Great Otway National Park urged to evacuate ahead of worsening conditions.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of very hot, dry and mostly sunny conditions across the state, with thunderstorms possible in western Victoria bringing little or no rain. Freshening north easterly to north westerly winds are expected ahead of a gusty south westerly to southerly change later in the day, creating conditions that authorities say could rapidly escalate fire behaviour.
Emergency services say the Carlisle River fire breached containment lines on Saturday afternoon and has now burned about 9,400 hectares. While crews remain active on the ground, officials are concerned today’s forecast heat and wind could drive 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 deteriorates.
From midday, 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 worsen. 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 sharply increases the likelihood of fast moving and unpredictable fire spread, posing a serious risk to homes, livestock and lives. Residents have been urged to enact 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 have been closed from today until further notice. The Forrest–Apollo Bay Road towards Colac remains open at this stage, though officials have warned that increased fire activity could lead to closures at short notice.
For people without 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. 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.
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, including campfires and some barbecues. Residents have been 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.”
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