Victoria Enforces Critical Evacuation Orders Amid Escalating Bushfire Threat
Multiple emergency evacuation directives have been activated across Victoria as the state confronts severe bushfires, with particular focus on the Cape Otway region. Authorities have mandated immediate departure for residents in affected zones to ensure safety as fire conditions deteriorate.
Immediate Evacuation Mandated Before Sunset
On Monday night, evacuation orders were officially issued for areas surrounding Cape Otway due to several uncontrolled bushfires near Carlisle River and Gellibrand, located southeast of Melbourne. Vic Emergency issued a stark warning, stating, 'There is a bushfire at Carlisle River and Gellibrand that is not under control.' The agency emphasised that for personal safety and to assist emergency services, evacuation must occur before sunset. Remaining in the area after sunset on Monday was described as potentially life-threatening, with emergency services possibly unable to provide assistance to those who choose to stay.
Police and State Emergency Service (SES) personnel conducted door-knocking operations to alert residents, but the clear message was to evacuate promptly. Authorities advised, 'don't wait for police, the message is to leave today.' Evacuees were instructed to gather essential items, including medications, pets, mobile phones, and chargers, and to evacuate with all household members. Vic Emergency also warned those away from home not to return to the affected areas.
Extensive List of Affected Communities and Relief Efforts
The evacuation orders impact a wide range of communities, including:
- Aire Valley, Barongarook, Barongarook West, Barramunga, Barwon Downs
- Beech Forest, Benwerrin, Carlisle River, Chapple Vale, Charleys Creek
- Coram, Crowes, Dinmont, Ferguson, Forrest, Gellibrand, Gerangamete
- Glenaire, Johanna, Kawarren, Kincaid, Lavers Hill, Lovat, Murroon
- Mount Sabine, Olangolah East, Pile Siding, Simpson, Tanybryn, Tulloh
- Upper Gellibrand, Weeaproinah, Wimba, Wyelangta, Yaugher, and Yeodene
To support displaced residents, relief centres have been established at the Colac Showgrounds, Colac Bluewater Leisure Centre, and Grovedale Community Hub. Alternatively, evacuees are encouraged to seek shelter with friends or family located outside the warning zones. Several roads, along with all parks and campgrounds in the region, have been closed to facilitate emergency operations and ensure public safety.
Worsening Conditions and Broader Warnings
Watch and Act orders have also been issued for additional areas, including the Shire of Towong near the New South Wales border, Wonnangatta, and the wider Otway region. The bushfire situation is expected to intensify due to extreme weather conditions forecast for Tuesday, featuring high temperatures and strong winds. Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan informed the ABC, 'As the fire starts to ramp up, we are anticipating the fire will move.' He further explained that warnings are likely to escalate to evacuation and emergency levels, urging communities to take immediate action.
Heffernan stressed, 'Get out of those regions because we are expecting that Carlisle River fire to spread very rapidly tomorrow.' The latest updates and detailed information are available on the Vic Emergency website, providing crucial guidance for residents navigating this critical situation.
