More than 1000 homes evacuated as Otways fire threatens towns as far as Lorne

Monday, 26 January 2026 13:46

Residents across a large area east of the fire have been urged to evacuate before sunset ahead of increased bushfire danger tomorrow.

Residents near a bushfire raging in Victoria's south-west are being urged to evacuate immediately ahead of extreme fire danger forecast for tomorrow.

Four evacuation orders were issued around midday for anyone in the path of the Gellibrand fire in the Otways, which has been burning since January 10.

Scorching conditions over the weekend caused the fire to nearly double in size and break containment lines on Saturday night.

Residents in four zones east of the fire have been urged to evacuate, while those in Lorne and Anglesea should monitor conditions.

The fire has grown to 8600 hectares in size, sparking warnings that dangerous conditions tomorrow could see it spread as far as Lorne and Aireys Inlet.

At least one home was lost to the fire over the weekend, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan confirmed.

Residents from more than 1100 properties across a large zone east of the fire have been urged to evacuate before sunset today, ahead of increased bushfire danger tomorrow.

Residents from more than two dozen towns, including Gellibrand, Carlisle River, Barongarook, Kawarren, Forrest, Beech Forest and surrounding areas in the Great Otway National Park are in danger and should evacuate now to protect their lives, a warning from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) said.

View the current emergency warnings here.

Police and SES are door-knocking the area urging people to leave, but warned they may not reach every property.

"Don't wait for Police. The message is to leave today," FFMVic said.

Fire authorities fear extreme heat forecast across Victoria tomorrow could see the fire spread dramatically.

"When you are ready, you should leave immediately. Don't wait to be told when to leave."

A watch and act warning that stretches as far as Lorne and Anglesea has been issued, with residents urged to prepare their bushfire survival plans.

"The fire may impact southern Otway National Park and coastal communities as far as Lorne and Aireys Inlet," VicEmergency said.

"The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act," FFMVic said.

The blaze in the Otways broke containment lines onb Saturday night.

"Bushfire danger is expected to increase on Tuesday 27th January. Community members are encouraged to prepare their bushfire survival plan now and, if staying, ensure their property is ready."

The safest evacuation route is Birregurra-Forrest Rd and Forrest-Apollo Bay Road towards Colac, but authorities have warned Forrest-Apollo Bay Road may be closed if the fire activity reaches its vicinity.

Three relief centres have been established at the following locations for people who do not have a safe place to go:

Colac Showgrounds - enter via Bruce Street - This is the only centre that you can take large domestic animals
Colac Blue Water Fitness 118-134 Hearn St
Grovedale Community Hub. 45-47 Heyers Road

All parks and campgrounds in the area, including the Great Otway National Park, are closed.

A statewide Total Fire Ban has also been issued for tomorrow.

A series of watch-and-act warnings remain in place for other major bushfires burning across the state, including the Walwa fire and the Dargo/Wonnangatta fire.