Otways bushfire has doubled in size since Saturday to 11,000 hectares, officials say
More than 170 vehicles and 390 responders were on the scene as of Tuesday.
Zara Cuthbertson
January 28, 2026
Victorian authorities have deemed the Otways bushfire the state’s “primary fire of interest” as the out-of-control Gellibrand-Carlisle River fire exceeds 11,000 hectares and continues to expand.
What happened: On Wednesday the State Control Centre confirmed a blaze burning as a combined complex bushfire at Gellibrand and Carlisle River, south of Colac, had breached containment lines on Saturday and again on Tuesday, with spot fires ahead of the fire front.
The State Control Centre said the fire is travelling in a north-easterly direction towards Gellibrand and Kawarren and remains subject to multiple emergency warnings.
Image: Bianca McCosh
Status for communities: As of 12.45pm Wednesday, it is still not safe for residents to return to Gellibrand, Barongarook, Barongarook West, Kawarren, Carlisle River and Charleys Creek.
The threat has reduced for a number of surrounding communities, with residents in Barramunga, Barwon Downs, Forrest, Gerangamete, Upper Gellibrand, Yaugher, Murroon and Yeodene told it is now safe to return home.
Firefighting resources deployed: More than 170 firefighting vehicles and over 390 personnel are currently committed to the Otways fire.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon that the blaze was the most challenging of the six major fires burning in Victoria.
Firefighter Bianca McCosh attending Gellibrand.
Fire behaviour and relief centres: Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said the Otways complex had “more than doubled in size” since Saturday.
Hardman warned of “erratic and extreme fire behaviour” driven by wind changes, with relief centres remaining open in Colac. More than 120 people had taken refuge at the centres earlier in the week.
Image: Bianca McCosh
Larralea fire: Meanwhile at Larralea, between Camperdown and Lismore, a fast-moving grassfire was detected about 1:15pm on Tuesday after smoke was seen from a fire tower.
The State Control Centre confirmed the fire drew more than 60 firefighting vehicles and more than 100 responders at its peak before being contained.
Approximately 30 vehicles and more than 100 personnel remain on scene.
The Larralea fire is currently subject to a Stay Informed advice warning. Communities are urged to monitor conditions.
Heatwave complications: Extreme heat and wind continue to complicate suppression efforts across both incidents, and the Bureau of Meteorology expects the heatwave conditions to gradually ease from the south west later in the week.
Low-intensity heatwave conditions are forecast to persist across the Otways until the weekend, and authorities cautioned that warnings may change rapidly as conditions remain dynamic.
Image: Bianca McCosh
Stay in the know: Locals are encouraged to access the most up to date information through the VicEmergency app, social media and through your local ABC radio station.
Header image credit: Bianca McCosh