Evacuations underway as fire danger reaches catastrophic level

Caravan parks along the Great Ocean Road are being evacuated as the region braces for a day of catastrophic fire danger, with authorities warning any blaze that starts on Friday will be difficult to control.

The south west and surrounding districts are forecast to experience temperatures in the high-30s tomorrow as heatwave conditions continue across much of the state.

Strong, gusty winds of 30 to 50kmh and dry lightning with the potential to ignite new fires are also expected, creating the most dangerous conditions experienced this summer.

“Tomorrow’s conditions will make it very difficult for firefighters to suppress a fire should one start, particularly in grassland areas where fuels have cured significantly,” CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said.

“With the added risk of gusty winds and possible dry lightning from thunderstorms, fires can start quickly and spread rapidly.”

A total fire ban will again be in force, meaning no fires are allowed to be lit in the open air or remain alight.

To prepare for tomorrow’s conditions, the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has begun evacuating caravan parks through the Wye River, Kennett River and Skenes Creek areas.

Major parks across the state will also be closed to the public tomorrow, including the Otways, as will several local recreation reserves in high-risk areas.

Heffernan said Friday’s hot and erratic fire conditions will put lives at risk should a fire start and take hold, and urged people to strictly follow the total fire ban rules.

“The safest place to be is away from high-risk areas such as campsites, parks and forests,” he said. “Now is not the time to be complacent with your safety – please leave early.

“Be prepared for fire, monitor conditions and know where to get information so you can make good decisions about your safety.

“Don’t wait for an official warning before you leave, fires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes.

“Do not plan to defend your home on catastrophic fire dangers days – even well-prepared homes cannot withstand these conditions, and we may not be able to reach you.”

A late southerly change will see temperatures ease later in the day, but is not expected to significantly reduce the fire risk.

The Aireys Inlet Fire Brigade is among the local brigades working to prepare their communities for a potential worst-case scenario.

In a post on Facebook this afternoon, the volunteer brigade said Friday would be a day for “decisive action, not last-minute decisions”.

“If you’re in a high-risk area like Aireys Inlet, the safest choice is simple: leave early,” the post reads. “Don’t wait for smoke. Don’t wait for warnings. Don’t wait to see what others do.

“By the time roads like the Great Ocean Road are busy or conditions deteriorate, it’s already too late.”

The Lorne Transfer Station, Anglesea Resale Shed, as well as the Lorne and Anglesea visitor information centres will also remain closed to the public tomorrow.

The community is encouraged to make sure they have access to more than one source of emergency information including local radio, the VicEmergency app, website or hotline, and the CFA social media pages.