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The Otways fire in Victoria’s south-west has broken its containment lines, as a dangerous south-westerly change moves through the state.
Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan spoke to ABC a few minutes ago, and said the fire had broken containment lines with the change.
The change is bringing winds gusting up to 70km/h. The fire is moving in an easterly direction, Heffernan said.
An emergency warning to take shelter now was issued for Gellibrand, Barongarook, Barongarook West, Kawarren, Carlisle River and Gerangamete a few minutes ago.
There are additional warnings to shelter indoors now at Kariah, Larralea, Leslie Manor and Taaraak.
Residents are being told to evacuate immediately at Aire Valley, Barramunga, Barwon Downs, Beech Forest, Carlisle River, Chapple Vale, Charleys Creek, Crowes, Dinmont, Ferguson, Glenaire, Graham Junction, Johanna, Kennett River, Kincaid, Lavers Hill, Mount Sabine, Olangolah East, Pile Siding, Stalker, Tanybryn, Upper Gellibrand, Weeaproinah, Wimba and Wyelangta.
“[Nearby residents] are getting those winds as predicted by the bureau, and that situation is very dynamic and changing minute by minute,” Heffernan told the ABC.
“Unfortunately, we thought the Carlisle River fire would breach its containment and move. That is currently happening as we speak, and Victorians can expect the situation to change rapidly in the Otways, and should stay up to date with the VicEmergency app.
“Have two sources of information and listen to your emergency broadcaster.”
The Otways fire was already spotting, Heffernan said. It was being pushed to Gellibrand Road, but crews expected that to change as it produced ember showers, he said.
“We are reviewing the situation very carefully,” Heffernan said.
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