VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA — Emergency authorities have issued urgent evacuation warnings for residents in the Great Otways region of southwest Victoria, as an out-of-control bushfire continues to burn unchecked and threatens to spread eastward toward more than 1,100 homes ahead of an extreme heatwave forecast this week. The fire, centred near Carlisle River, has already consumed thousands of hectares of bushland and is now prompting one of the most serious civilian safety operations of this year’s devastating fire season.
Mass Evacuation Warnings as Fire Grows
Residents in communities including Gellibrand, Kawarren, Beech Forest, Forrest, Barongarook and surrounding parts of the Great Otway National Park have been urged to evacuate before sunset to escape the approaching blaze. Victoria Police and the State Emergency Service (SES) have been door-knocking homes and properties, strongly recommending people leave now rather than wait for conditions to deteriorate further.
The bushfire started near Carlisle River and, after breaching containment lines over the weekend, has burned a large area of vegetation and forest, roughly 9,400 hectares to date. Fire authorities warn that Tuesday’s forecast of extreme heat and strong winds — including temperatures expected to exceed 40 °C — could drive rapid and unpredictable fire spread, posing heightened risk to life, property and livestock.
Weather Conditions Compounding Fire Risk
Victoria is bracing not only for the bushfire threat but also for exceptional heat conditions, with meteorologists forecasting temperatures near record levels for this summer. A total fire ban has been declared for the entire state on Tuesday as extreme fire weather develops, with dry northerly winds expected to fan flames and complicate containment efforts.
“These conditions tomorrow mean the fire could spread quickly and unpredictably,” said Colac Deputy Incident Controller Alistair Drayton, urging residents to enact their bushfire survival plans and leave early to protect themselves and their families.
Threatened Towns and Communities
The evacuation warnings stretch across dozens of small towns and rural areas, many set amidst forested landscapes close to the Otway Ranges. In addition to homes, the blaze threatens:
- Tourist communities south of the fireground, including possible impacts near Lorne, Aireys Inlet and Anglesea if the fire jumps east.
- Visitor sites and national park facilities, all of which have been closed until further notice to protect public safety.
- Livestock and agricultural assets, with farmers warned to move animals to safety ahead of worsening conditions.
Authorities have underscored that roads may close without notice if fire conditions deteriorate, and evacuation routes may change rapidly. Residents are advised to monitor official sources, such as the VicEmergency app, local radio and emergency broadcasts.
Emergency Relief and Support Services
For those forced to leave their homes, Emergency Relief Centres have been established, offering shelter and assistance for families as well as facilities for domestic animals and larger livestock outside the immediate danger zone. Colours of emergency support include:
- Colac Showgrounds — for people and animals displaced by the fire.
- Bluewater Leisure Centre, Colac — space for evacuees (note that pet restrictions apply here).
- Grovedale Community Hub — emergency centre for those needing support during the crisis.
Officials have emphasised that evacuating early not only protects families but also helps emergency responders focus on the fire front rather than rescue operations.
Firefighting Efforts and Challenges
Hundreds of firefighters and multiple air assets remain on the ground working to slow the fire’s progression, but conditions are extremely difficult due to steep terrain, dry fuel loads and the intense heat forecast. Fire agencies from other states and international crews, including teams from New Zealand and Canada, have been mobilised to assist in Victoria’s firefighting effort.
Despite these efforts, fire officials concede that the blaze is not expected to be brought under control before the extreme weather arrives — a forecast that could see temperatures reach their highest levels of the season and drive fire activity at dangerous rates.
Smoke and Air Quality Concerns
The large fire is also producing significant smoke, affecting air quality across parts of southwest Victoria and into urban areas including Melbourne and Geelong. Health authorities have warned that very poor to extremely poor air quality may persist, particularly as smoke plumes settle under temperature inversion conditions that trap pollution near the ground.
Residents with respiratory conditions, older adults, children and those sensitive to smoke have been urged to follow health guidance — including staying indoors, using air purifiers where available and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity.
Context Within the 2025–26 Bushfire Season
The Otways fire is part of a broader and particularly intense bushfire season affecting Victoria and southern Australia, which has seen property losses and widespread vegetation burn across the state. Earlier in January, multiple major blazes destroyed homes, farms and infrastructure, and left communities across the region grappling with ongoing danger.
Authorities have repeatedly stressed that this season’s fire conditions reflect extreme weather patterns and prolonged dry conditions, factors that create heightened fire risk and present major challenges for emergency management.
Preparing for What’s Ahead
With extreme fire weather predicted over the coming days and no immediate relief in sight, residents and emergency services alike are bracing for a potentially prolonged period of danger. The combination of uncontained fire fronts, expected record high temperatures and shifting winds means vigilance and early evacuation could save lives.
As the situation evolves, authorities continue to put community safety first, advising that no one should wait to be told twice — leave now if you’re in an evacuation zone and stay informed through trusted, official sources.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
