Victoria's Otways Fire Crisis: 1,000 Homes at Risk as Heatwave Fuels Blaze
Residents of more than 1,000 homes in Victoria have been urgently advised to evacuate before sunset, as a massive bushfire in the Otways region threatens to spread eastwards. This comes amid the onset of a severe heatwave that is expected to exacerbate fire conditions across the state.
Immediate Evacuation Orders Issued
Authorities have strongly recommended that people living in the south-western Victorian towns of Gellibrand, Kawarren, Beech Forest, Forrest, Barongarook, and surrounding areas within the Otways national park leave immediately. The fire breached containment lines on Saturday afternoon, prompting this critical response.
State Control Centre spokesperson Reegan Key emphasised the urgency, stating, "We're asking them to evacuate before sunset today, because we just don't want them in those areas tomorrow with such terrible conditions." Victoria police and State Emergency Service crews have begun doorknocking homes in the Greater Otways area to reinforce this message.
Fire Spread and Extreme Weather Forecast
The Otways fire has already consumed approximately 9,400 hectares of land. With Tuesday's forecasted northerly winds and intense heat, there are concerns it could spread as far as coastal towns like Lorne or Aireys Inlet. Key expressed significant worry, noting, "We're really concerned about the potential of that fire to take a big run and impact communities."
A statewide total fire ban has been declared for Tuesday, with fire conditions predicted to be extreme in five districts: Central, Mallee, North Central, South West, and the Wimmera. In the Wimmera region, the fire danger rating is alarmingly close to catastrophic levels.
Heatwave Intensifies Fire Danger
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts temperatures in north-west Victoria, such as in Ouyen and Mildura, to reach a scorching 49°C on Tuesday. Key highlighted that Victoria has not experienced heat of this intensity since 2009. This severe heatwave, combined with a "significant" wind change expected later on Tuesday afternoon, will create challenging conditions for firefighters.
Key warned, "Those are always conditions in Victoria that cause trouble with firefighting." As a precaution, all visitor sites in the Great Otway national park and Victoria's state forests have been closed until further notice due to the severe heat forecast.
Community Response and Additional Fires
Gellibrand resident Rob Murphy, whose farm is under threat, described the situation at the local pub where he is assisting. "The fire is very close to our property, and depending on the winds, will likely impact our farm," he said. Murphy noted that while some residents are preparing to stay and defend their properties, many have already evacuated. The town was covered in thick smoke overnight as the fire approached within 1km of the pub.
Across Victoria, six active major fires were reported on Monday afternoon, with three of particular concern: the Otways fire, the Walwa fire, and a blaze in the Alpine national park heading towards Dargo. Additionally, residents near the Murray River have been told to leave their homes as firefighters battle a spreading wildfire in a wilderness park.
Several locations in Victoria's north are facing the prospect of seven consecutive days with maximum temperatures above 40°C, further complicating fire management efforts and posing ongoing risks to communities.
