Otways Fire Still Uncontrolled as Extreme Weather Approaches, With Evacuations Widening Across Victoria

Fire authorities warn they will not have the Otways blaze under control before extreme fire weather hits on Tuesday, prompting expanded evacuation alerts and a statewide total fire ban.

Communities Evacuated as Fire Intensifies
The Carlisle River fire doubled in size on Saturday, forcing evacuations from Carlisle River and Gellibrand.
By Sunday morning, the blaze had crept to within kilometres of Gellibrand before easing later in the day.
Despite the improvement, the threat remained serious, and by Sunday night the warning level was reduced only to Watch and Act, with residents told it is still unsafe to return.

Warnings Expanded Across the Region
On Monday morning, Watch and Act alerts were broadened to cover a large area stretching:

From Lavers Hill to Anglesea

North to Colac

Multiple communities near the fire zone were advised to evacuate before sunset on Monday, with authorities warning the blaze could rapidly grow and threaten new areas.

Police and SES crews are door‑knocking, though they acknowledge they cannot reach every property.

Statewide Total Fire Ban for Tuesday
A total fire ban has been declared for all of Victoria on Tuesday.
The Wimmera, South West, North Central and Central districts are forecast to face extreme fire danger ratings.

Evacuation Routes and Safety Advice
Residents are being urged to leave via:

Birregurra Forrest Road

Forrest Apollo Bay Road toward Colac

Full evacuation details are available on the VicEmergency website.

Firefighting Conditions Still Not Enough
State Response Controller Jason Heffernan said Monday’s milder weather would assist firefighters, but the improvement will not be sufficient to contain the blaze before dangerous conditions arrive.