Authorities evacuated campers and hikers from Otway National Park as they closed walking tracks close to the attraction, which shut for about six hours overnight over concerns about smoke and fire.
People in Great Ocean Road towns have been told to evacuate as bushfires burn out of control. Source: AAP / Tracey Nearmy
The blaze at Chapple Vale has ripped through about 700 hectares, with anyone still nearby told to leave immediately including those in Crowes, Gellibrand Lower, Johanna, Johanna Heights, Lavers Hill, Stalker, Wangerrip, Wattle Hill and Yuulong.
“By choosing to stay, you and your family may be at risk of serious injury or death.”
At least one home has been destroyed as out-of-control bushfires rage. Source: AAP / Supplied
The fire at Kadnook claimed one home and authorities believe two others may have been burnt down, on top of stock and agricultural losses.
The cool change has kicked in but there is now a concern lighting and strong winds could flare fire conditions.
Authorities evacuated campers and hikers from Otway National Park as they closed walking tracks. Source: AAP / Tracey Nearmy
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging, locally destructive winds and heavy rainfall for parts of Victoria’a southwest coast and northeast.
“It’s definitely concerning that we have seen lightning through that part of the state where we have obviously seen fire conditions already, and with the elevated westerly winds this afternoon it is going to pose an impact,” Senior Meteorologist Keris Arndt said.
There were more than 200 requests for assistance to the State Emergency Service in the 24 hours to 10am on Sunday, including about 70 in Shepparton in central Victoria related to trees and powerlines down in storms.
