Authorities have warned that firefighters are in "uncharted waters" in Victoria today, with temperatures expected to exceed heat records, rising to as much as 49 degrees.
More than two dozen towns and localities in the Otways region were told to evacuate yesterday evening, with firefighters warning the Carlisle River fire may break out of containment, prompting the evacuation of emergency personnel.
Authorities said it was "almost certain" that blaze would spread today, with evacuation warnings issued for more than 1100 properties.
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A statewide total fire ban kicked in at 12.01am.
Other blazes continue to burn out of control at Walwa and the Wonnangatta-Dargo area, with multiple "leave now", "not safe to return" and "monitor conditions" warnings in place.
Officials fear conditions today could even see the contained Longwood fire that devastated the region several weeks ago reignite, with firefighters there still putting out hotspots.
Melbourne is set for a maximum temperature of 45 degrees, but further north the state could push 50 degrees in places like Mildura and Ouyen.
"Mid-40s heat tomorrow is significant for this environment as we will see right across Victoria tomorrow but that's what we're concerned about," Colac deputy incident controller Alistair Drayton said on ABC News Afternoons yesterday.
"But more importantly we will see with the change coming through, the gusty south-westerly change at the moment with forecasted winds around the 60km/h mark.
"That will ensure there will be further smoke changing direction later in the afternoon that we're anticipating it to hit the fire grounds here."
A dozen aircraft were working to smother the blaze from above, while local firefighters and crews from interstate were doing their best to limit the spread of the fire on the ground.
A fleet of 74 Canadian firefighters was due to arrive in Victoria today to undergo orientation training, before assisting with firefighting efforts later in the week.
Drayton warned the fire was burning in a "very, very difficult landscape for firefighters" and said authorities would be putting the safety of firefighters first in extreme circumstances.
"This fire will not be contained in the coming days. Should it break out, firefighters will be looking at the safety of themselves and our assets," he said.
"That's why we're asking people to evacuate now in those identified areas.
"Look at the EmergencyVic app to understand the circumstances in your particular area and indeed follow those actions that we're asking people to do."
More than 1100 properties urged to evacuate
Four evacuation orders were issued about midday yesterday 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.
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The fire has grown to 8600 hectares in size, sparking warnings that dangerous conditions today could see it spread as far as Lorne and Aireys Inlet.
The evacuation orders for 1100 properties are for 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 were door-knocking the area urging people to leave, but warned they might not reach every property.
"Don't wait for police. The message is to leave today," FFMVic said.
"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.
"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.