More than 1,100 properties near Victoria’s Otways bushfire zone have been placed under evacuation warnings, with authorities urging residents to leave before sunset ahead of forecast extreme conditions on Tuesday, January 27.
The warning area spans communities south and east of the Carlisle River fire, including Gellibrand, Kawarren, Beech Forest, Forrest, Barongarook and surrounding parts of the Great Otway National Park, with authorities also cautioning the fire may threaten coastal communities further east if conditions worsen.
Fire officials said the blaze remains not contained and is unlikely to be brought under control before Tuesday’s heat and wind arrive, creating the risk of rapid and unpredictable fire spread. Colac deputy incident controller Alistair Drayton urged residents to enact their bushfire plans and leave early, warning that Tuesday’s conditions could see fire behaviour escalate quickly.
Fire size, timeline and what authorities expect next
The Carlisle River fire has been burning in the Otway Ranges since January 10 and has grown to about 9,400 hectares, with authorities warning it could expand further as temperatures rise. State Response Controller Jason Heffernan said favourable conditions on Monday would assist crews, but not enough to contain the fire before Tuesday, when temperatures in the area were forecast to reach as high as 44°C.
Impact assessment teams were expected to enter parts of the fireground as conditions allow to confirm whether any homes or buildings have been destroyed, amid warnings that losses were possible given the size and proximity of the fire to communities.
Evacuation routes, closures and relief support
Authorities advised people leaving the affected area to detour inland, with evacuation routes including Birregurra–Forrest Road and Forrest–Apollo Bay Road towards Colac, while noting conditions and road access may change. Police and SES crews have been doorknocking, but warned they may not reach every property in time, reinforcing the message that residents should not wait for a knock on the door.
Visitor sites in the Great Otway National Park and nearby state forests were closed until further notice, and motorists were urged to monitor official warnings and transport updates as the situation evolves.
Statewide total fire ban and smoke concerns
Victoria also faces a statewide Total Fire Ban on Tuesday, with fire agencies warning that dangerous conditions will not be limited to the Otways and that other existing fires could flare.
Health officials have also warned of very poor to extremely poor air quality in parts of the state due to smoke, with conditions expected to shift through the day as atmospheric conditions change. Residents—particularly those with respiratory conditions—have been urged to follow health advice and stay informed through official channels.
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