Region braces for extreme heat as Otway fire threat escalates

Extreme heat and strengthening winds are expected to drive dangerous fire behaviour on Tuesday, with authorities warning conditions could overwhelm firefighting efforts and place lives at risk.

The region is bracing for severe temperatures, with Surf Coast towns including Torquay and Lorne forecast to hit 40C, the Bellarine Peninsula expected to reach about 43C and Geelong to swelter through 45C.

More than 1,000 homes were evacuated in the Greater Otway region through Monday as the Otway fire, which has now burned more than 9,000 hectares, continued to threaten communities.

A Watch and Act alert remains in place for Surf Coast townships including Lorne, Fairhaven and Aireys Inlet, with authorities urging residents and holidaymakers to monitor conditions closely throughout the day.

 

 

Colac deputy incident controller Alistair Drayton said the combination of extreme heat and strong, gusty winds could cause fires to rapidly escalate.

“We are facing extreme heat and increased fire danger, with strong winds and gusty changes that will see the fire quickly become larger, fast-moving and extremely challenging to contain,” he said.

“Under these conditions, efforts to suppress fires are likely to be ineffective.

“The fire behaviour will be very intense, dangerous and unpredictable. There [is a] very high chance this fire will spread further, threatening homes, livestock, properties and lives.”

 

 

Drayton warned fire-generated weather could significantly worsen conditions, with the potential for long-range ember attack.

“We can expect to see fire-generated clouds driven by very intense and strong winds, which may cause spotting as far as 10km away, with thick smoke and heavy ash,” he said.

“It may impact the southern towns of the Great Otway National Park and those on the coast as far as Lorne and Aireys Inlet.”

In a video shared to Facebook, Aireys Inlet Fire Brigade caption, Adam Gilliver, said now is the time for local to prepare.

“If you have a bushfire survival plan, review it now and be ready to act,” he said.

“If you don’t have one make a clear decision about whether you will stay or leave early if conditions worsen.

 

 

“Please monitor conditions closely. Increased wind, a change in wind direction, smoke or reduce visibility can all signal changing fire behaviour.”

He encouraged anyone who does not feel safe to leave early.

“Many lives have been lost trying to leave at the last minute,” Gilliver said.

“Remember to take medications, pets, your mobile phone and a charger if you leave.

Relief centres have been established at Colac Showgrounds, Colac Blue Water Fitness and the Grovedale Community Hub, with the Colac Showgrounds facility able to accommodate large domestic animals.

 

 

 

Support is also being offered for evacuated pets, with Torquay North Vet in Winki Way stepping in to provide emergency temporary boarding for displaced animals.

Senior veterinarian Claire Lawrence said the clinic had space for about 20 pets, with boarding being offered free of charge for evacuees.

She asked those wanting to take up the offer to call ahead on 5296 0444, so the clinic knows what to expect.

“They will just need to call ahead to the clinic and give their details, including their pets’ names and their address, and then we just ask a few questions about their health concerns,” she said.

“We’ll look after them until they can go back to their homes.”

The clinic also has a small number of transport crates available and can draw on support from a sister practice in Geelong if demand increases.