An intense wave of heat that surged through the state yesterday has exacerbated numerous fires currently raging across the region.
Officials have issued a warning about a bushfire that remains uncontrolled near Carlisle River. Overnight, the fire expanded and now stands just one kilometer from Gellibrand.
The fire is advancing from the west towards Gellibrand, moving in an easterly trajectory.
Residents in the areas of Gellibrand and Carlisle River are being urged to find immediate shelter.
Fire Forest Management Victoria has issued an emergency alert stating, “You are in danger and need to act immediately to ensure your survival.”
The notification advises, “If you have not evacuated, the safest course of action is to seek shelter indoors without delay.”
Residents in Barongarook West, Carlisle River, Gellibrand, Irrewillipe and Irrewillipe East were urged to evacuate last night as the fire moved in a southerly direction.
Aircraft and emergency response crews spent the night trying to quell the spread of the fire.
There are several other watch and act warnings in place across Victoria, including for fires burning at Walwa in the state’s north-east, and at Dargo in Gippsland.
The mercury surpassed 38 degrees in both Melbourne and the south-west of the state yesterday, while temperatures soared into the 40s in the Mallee region.
While the south-west coast is expected to receive a reprieve from the heat today, temperatures in northern Victoria will continue to soar.
A Total Fire Ban has been declared today for the Northern Country, North Central, North East and East Gippsland districts.
An extreme fire danger rating is in place for the North East.
