Otways bushfire: firefighters battle out-of-control fires, as more than 320 hectares burn
Flames had burned almost 350ha of the Otways by late Thursday, as firefighters battled to contain a cluster of out-of-control fires near Carlisle River.
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Flames had burned almost 350ha of the Otways by late Thursday, as firefighters battled to contain a cluster of out-of-control fires near Carlisle River.
At least 21 Forest Fire Management units were expected to work into the night to contain the largest fire, which was burning 6km southwest of Gellibrand.
The fire broke out late Wednesday during a storm and was likely sparked by lightning.
The blaze had burnt more than 340ha by 4pm and was moving south westerly.
Emergency Management Victoria on Wednesday issued a watch and act alert for residents but that message was downgraded yesterday to an advice message.
Gellibrand residents were warned to remain alert.
“There is currently no threat to you, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions should the situation change,” EMV said.
“If you see flames call triple-0 immediately to report the fire.”
Three other fires on the west side of Carlisle River were also being fought by emerg
ency services last night.
Meanwhile, the State Emergency Service had 36 requests for help in the 24 hours to 4pm yesterday, following Wednesday’s flash flooding.
The Bellarine unit was the busiest with 16 call-outs.
Portarlington was the most affected by the storm with a tree crushing a small home being one of seven requests for help.
The storm activity, which brought more than 20mm of rain, helped improve the state’s air quality, which had been hazy due to bushfire smoke moving from Gippsland.
The air quality was rated a good on Thursday night, but is expected to diminish again on Saturday.
The Bureau of Meteorology expects the mercury to hit 23C on Friday with some showers.
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Originally published as Otways bushfire: firefighters battle out-of-control fires, as more than 320 hectares burn
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