A fast, reader-first snapshot of the latest situation as emergency crews battle multiple major fires across Victoria.

Image credit: abc.net.au

• Evacuation orders are in place for parts of Victoria’s Otways as fires burn out of control in and around the Great Otway National Park.
• Two key blazes are driving the latest emergency: one near Cape Otway (west of Apollo Bay) and another near Carlisle River, pushing toward nearby communities.
• Authorities say conditions are volatile and can change quickly; residents in warning zones are being urged to leave early if told to do so.
• Relief points have been activated in Colac, including the Colac Showgrounds and the Colac Neighbourhood Centre.
• Great Ocean Road closures are in place between Apollo Bay and Lavers Hill, with the potential for further road shutdowns.
• Victoria has been hit by multiple fires during extreme summer conditions, with some ignitions linked to overnight lightning.
• A state of disaster has been declared after dozens of fires started during catastrophic fire conditions.
• Across the state, at least 130 homes/structures have been destroyed so far, and officials warn the number may rise as assessments continue.
• The Ravenswood fire has caused some of the worst damage, including heavy losses in the town of Harcourt.
• Emergency warnings also remain for other fire zones, including areas around Longwood, with communities urged not to return until authorities declare it safe.
• Power outages have affected tens of thousands of customers across Victoria, especially in the east.
• Fire officials are also beginning to assess impacts on farms, including livestock injuries and losses, and damaged equipment and feed supplies.

Image credit: abc.net.au

Weather factor: Fire behaviour can intensify rapidly during heat and wind shifts. For official heatwave and weather warnings, check the Bureau of Meteorology’s Victoria heatwave warning page.