The Otway Ranges are facing a dire new threat as a bushfire, dormant since January 7th, has reignited with alarming ferocity due to soaring temperatures, putting lives and homes in immediate peril.
As of 3:30 PM on January 24, 2026, residents in several communities within the Otway Ranges are being issued an urgent warning: it is now too late to evacuate. They are strongly advised to seek immediate shelter indoors. This critical alert comes from Forest Fire Management Victoria, targeting individuals in six forest towns southwest of Colac: Beech Forest, Carlisle River, Charleys Creek, Ferguson, Gellibrand, and Wyelangta.
The primary concern is a bushfire located in the Otways National Park at Carlisle River. This blaze, the northernmost of two active fires in the park, has been observed moving in a southerly direction from the junction of Carlisle River Road and Walls-Skinner Track. Authorities are unequivocally stating that this fire poses a significant danger to both homes and lives, and attempting to leave the affected area is no longer a safe option, as all roads within the emergency zone have been closed.
Firefighters reported that the fire breached established containment lines during a period of extreme fire danger across the southwest region. The situation is exacerbated by the forecast for the nearby town of Colac, where temperatures are expected to reach a scorching 39 degrees Celsius. This intense heat is a major contributing factor to the fire's renewed intensity and unpredictable behavior.
Currently, over 30 vehicles are engaged in responding to this escalating situation. In the two-and-a-half weeks since it first ignited, this particular bushfire has already consumed more than 5,000 hectares of national parkland. For context, that's an area roughly equivalent to over 7,000 football fields!
It's worth noting that a second bushfire, situated at Kennedy’s Creek within the same national park, remains contained. This fire has so far burned through over 3,000 hectares.
But here's where it gets particularly concerning: Today, January 24th, is a total fire ban day across the entirety of Victoria. Adding to the widespread risk, the Country Fire Authority has also just announced another total fire ban for Sunday, impacting the Northern Country, North Central, North East, and East Gippsland regions. This means that any ignition source, no matter how small, could have devastating consequences.
And this is the part most people miss: the extreme heat isn't just impacting bushfires. The Australian Open has been forced to suspend play on all its outdoor courts and has closed the roofs of its indoor stadiums due to the dangerous temperatures. This highlights the pervasive nature of the heatwave affecting the entire state.
In a later update, authorities confirmed that aircraft and emergency response crews will be actively working in the affected area throughout the afternoon and continuing into the night. This sustained effort underscores the seriousness of the situation and the ongoing commitment to managing the blaze.
A critical factor to monitor is a forecasted wind change expected around 5 PM. This shift in wind is predicted to alter the fire's direction, pushing it northwards towards Barongarook. This potential shift could introduce new areas to the danger zone.
This situation raises a critical question: Given the escalating fire activity and the extreme weather conditions, what more can be done to protect communities in the path of such unpredictable natural disasters? Do you believe current evacuation protocols are sufficient, or is there a need for a fundamental rethink of how we manage these escalating threats? Share your thoughts below – we’d love to hear your perspective.
