More than 1,000 homes in Victoria have been told to evacuate before sunset as a major bushfire in the Otways region threatens to spread during an intense heatwave. The blaze has already burnt approximately 9,400 hectares and could reach as far as Lorne, authorities said.
Residents in the south-western towns of Gellibrand, Kawarren, Beech Forest, Forrest, Barongarook and surrounding areas within the Otways national park were urged to leave after the fire breached containment lines on Saturday. Gellibrand resident Rob Murphy, who was helping at the Gellibrand River Hotel Pub, said the fire had come within 1km of the pub and the town was covered in a thick blanket of smoke overnight.
State Control Centre spokesperson Reegan Key said six aircraft and more than 300 firefighters were working on the blaze, but forecast northerly winds and temperatures of up to 49C in some parts of the state would create extreme fire danger. "We're really concerned about the potential of that fire to take a big run and impact communities into upper Gellibrand, Forrest, Barongarook, and potentially, if it's very bad, even as far as Lorne or Aireys Inlet tomorrow," she said.
Victoria Police and State Emergency Service crews began doorknocking homes on Monday, strongly recommending residents evacuate before sunset. A statewide total fire ban has been issued for Tuesday, and all visitor sites in the Great Otway national park and State Forests have been closed. Six major fires were burning across the state, with three of particular concern: the Otways fire, a blaze near Walwa, and one in the Alpine national park heading towards Dargo. Residents near the Murray River, including Nariel Valley, were also told to leave their homes.
Australia experienced its fourth-warmest year on record in 2025, with average temperatures 1.23C above the national baseline, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The climate crisis has increased the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and bushfires.
