Australian authorities have ordered the immediate evacuation of more than 1,100 properties in Victoria as a major bushfire in the state’s south-west continues to spread.
The Gellibrand fire, burning in the Otways mountain region, has expanded to around 8,600 hectares since the weekend and moved beyond control on Saturday night.
The situation is expected to worsen on Wednesday due to rising temperatures and strong winds, prompting urgent warnings for residents in the fire’s path.
Forest Fire Management Victoria has issued evacuation orders for more than 20 towns east of the blaze, including Gellibrand, Carlisle River, Barongarook, Kawarren, Forrest and Beech Forest. Residents were urged to leave before sunset as the fire risk could intensify overnight.
Emergency services continue door-to-door warnings but said they may not reach every home in time. Authorities stressed that residents should not wait for police and should evacuate as soon as they are ready.
A “Watch and Act” alert has been extended to coastal areas such as Lorne and Aireys Inlet, where the fire could reach if winds shift.
Victoria’s emergency service, VicEmergency, warned that conditions could change at any moment and urged residents to follow official updates, prepare to move quickly, and stay alert to changing weather conditions.
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