SES Otway Unit

25/03/2026

Thunderstorms are possible across most of Victoria this afternoon (Wednesday 25 March), with severe thunderstorms possible over central and eastern districts and south of the divide.

It is difficult to forecast exactly where and when a storm will develop, but the increased risk is in Gippsland, the Yarra Ranges, and the Dandenong Ranges. Damaging winds, heavy rainfall and large hail are possible. Severe weather may continue into the evening.

The best defence against storms is preparation:

🚗 Park your car undercover and away from trees.
🏠 Clean your gutters, downpipes and drains to ensure they are not blocked.
☂️ Check that loose items such as outdoor furniture, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured.

For more information on preparing for storms, go to www.ses.vic.gov.au/storm

If you need Victoria State Emergency Service assistance, call 132 500.

23/02/2026

Widespread thunderstorms are forecast across Victoria throughout Tuesday, 24 February, including the chance of localised, severe thunderstorms developing with the capacity to cause flash flooding in some areas.
Now is the time to prepare your property for a significant rainfall event by clearing gutters, downpipes and drains and parking vehicles undercover or away from trees where possible.
Community members should also remain alert to dangerous road conditions if driving and remember to never drive through floodwater. Stay inside if conditions outside appear dangerous.
To learn more about how to prepare for potential flooding, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/emergencies/flood.

For SES emergency assistance, call 132 500.

21/02/2026

28/01/2026

🔥 Emergency Update – Carlisle River & Otways Fire Situation

The fire at Carlisle River continues to burn out of control after breaking containment lines on Saturday and again yesterday. With fire danger conditions continuing, nearby communities may be impacted.

The Great Otway National Park is closed, and all campers have been asked to evacuate.

Stay informed using official sources only. Social media comments can be outdated or incorrect.
Use:
• VicEmergency website: emergency.vic.gov.au
• VicEmergency app – create a Watch Zone for your home, work and travel routes
• VicEmergency Hotline: 1800 226 226
• Your local emergency broadcaster, including ABC News

Residents are strongly urged to enact their bushfire survival plan now and leave early. Follow all directions from emergency services, especially if evacuation is advised.

🏠 24/7 Relief Centres (open now):
• Colac Showgrounds – enter via 70 Bruce Street, Colac. Domestic & large animals (including horses) welcome. Pets must be leashed or crated.
• Colac Blue Water Leisure Centre, 118–134 Hearn Street, Colac – no animals.
• Grovedale Community Hub, 45–47 Heyers Road, Grovedale – domestic animals only.

🚗 If travelling through fire‑affected areas:
• Drive with extreme caution
• Follow detours and traffic management instructions
• Check VicTraffic for road closures and conditions before you leave

✔️ Let friends, family and emergency services know you are safe using Red Cross Register.Find.Reunite – whether you have left your home or are staying.

Stay alert, stay informed, and prioritise your safety.

Photo Credit - Carlisle River Fire Brigade

27/01/2026

**This warning has been updated. Stay informed: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/ **

WATCH & ACT - BUSHFIRE - Monitor Conditions As They Are Changing
Incident Location: Carlisle River
Issue Date: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 09:22 pm
Next Update: Wednesday 28 January 2026, 01:00 am

This Watch and Act message is being issued for communities around the perimeter of the Carlisle River and Kennedys Creek fire.
- There is a bushfire at Carlisle River and Gellibrand that is not under control.

The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.

Bushfire danger is expected to increase today. Community members are encouraged to prepare their bushfire survival plan now and, if staying, ensure their property is ready.

More information on how to create a Bushfire Survival Plan: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-and-during-a-fire/your-bushfire-plan

More information on how to prepare your property: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property

27/01/2026

**UPDATE: This warning is no longer current. Stay informed: www.emergency.vic.gov.au

EMERGENCY WARNING - BUSHFIRE - Evacuate Immediately
Incident Location: Carlisle River
Issue Date: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 02:52 pm
Next Update: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 06:00 pm

This Emergency Warning to Evacuate Immediately is being issued for Barongarook, Gellibrand, Kawarren, Lovat. . - There is a bushfire at Carlisle River that is not yet under control.
- This Emergency Warning replaces the Emergency Warning Evacuate Immediately issued at 12:22 AM Tuesday 27th January.
- A south westerly wind change is expected around 5:00 pm today. This will likely change the direction of the fire.
If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you.

If you are located in areas, it is recommended you evacuate immediately and move to a safer location away from the fire.

27/01/2026

**UPDATE: This warning is no longer current. Stay informed: www.emergency.vic.gov.au

EMERGENCY WARNING - BUSHFIRE - Evacuate Immediately
Incident Location: Carlisle River
Issue Date: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 12:22 pm
Next Update: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 02:30 pm

This Emergency Warning to Evacuate Immediately is being issued for Barongarook, Gellibrand, Kawarren, Lovat. - There is a bushfire at Carlisle River that is not under control.
- This Emergency Warning replaces the Emergency Warning Evacuate Immediately issued at 11:21 AM Tuesday 27th January.
- A south westerly wind change is expected around 5:00 pm today. This will likely change the direction of the fire.
If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you.

If you are located in these areas it is recommended you evacuate immediately and move to a safer location away from the fire.

26/01/2026

**This warning has been updated. Stay informed: http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

WATCH & ACT - BUSHFIRE - Evacuate Immediately
Incident Location: Carlisle River
Issue Date: Monday 26 January 2026, 04:08 pm
Next Update: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 12:10 pm

More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/ #!/warning/40701/moreinfo

Due to extreme fire weather forecast for Tuesday, the fire is predicted to rapidly expand and pose a threat to communities.
This Watch and Act message to Evacuate Immediately is being issued for Barongarook, Barwon Downs, Benwerrin, Forrest, Gerangamete, Kawarren, Murroon, Yaugher, Yeodene.

- There is a bushfire at Carlisle River and Gellibrand River that is not under control.
- For your safety and to help emergency services, you need to evacuate before sunset today (Monday 26th January).

If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you.

LEAVE NOW.
Police and SES are conducting door-knocking in the area, but they may not reach every property.
Don't wait for Police. The message is to leave today.

26/01/2026

**This warning has been updated. Stay informed: http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

WATCH & ACT - BUSHFIRE - Evacuate Immediately
Incident Location: Carlisle River
Issue Date: Monday 26 January 2026, 02:32 pm
Next Update: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 11:20 am

More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/ #!/warning/40700/moreinfo

Due to extreme weather forecast for Tuesday, the fire is predicted to rapidly expand and pose a threat to communities.
This Watch and Act message to Evacuate Immediately is being issued for Beech Forest, Carlisle River, Charleys Creek, Dinmont, Ferguson, Kincaid, Pile Siding, Weeaproinah, Wyelangta.
- There is a bushfire at Carlisle River that is not under control.
- For your safety and to help emergency services, you need to evacuate before sunset today (Monday 26 January).

LEAVE NOW. Police and SES are conducting door-knocking in the area, but they cannot reach every property. Don't wait for Police. The message is to leave now.

If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you.

If you are located in Beech Forest, Carlisle River, Charleys Creek, Dinmont, Ferguson, Kincaid, Pile Siding, Weeaproinah, Wyelangt, it is recommended you evacuate immediately and move to a safer location away from the fire.