CFA crews are bracing for what could be the state’s most dangerous fire day in years.
A Total Fire Ban is in place for the whole of Victoria, with the central district’s fire danger rating listed as extreme.
However the South West district, which includes Colac and sections of the Great Ocean Road including Apollo Bay, is listed as catastrophic.
Public land in the South West have been closed, including the Wye River beachfront campground, Apollo Bay foreshore and the Great Otway National Park
Geelong is forecast to reach a top of 43 today, but it is the windy conditions, late change and possible storm that has CFA crews very nervous.
A total fire ban means no fires can be lit in the open air until midnight.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said everyone needed to be prepared.
“Don’t underestimate this – This is a very dynamic and ever-changing situation and it is rapidly changing,” he said.
“People have to have the VicEmergency App, set your watch zone for wherever you are right now.”
Emergency warnings remain in place for two out of control bushfires near Seymour and Mount Lawson, near the NSW border.
The Surf Coast Shire and City of Greater Geelong have also closed some of its facilities due to the weather conditions and fire risk.
More information can be found on their Facebook pages.
Today’s catastrophic conditions in the South West region have prompted V/Line to cancel services.
Trains won’t be running on the Warrnambool line – no replacement buses will be brought in either.
Services between Geelong and Melbourne are running, but will be on an extreme heat time table.
Passengers are being encouraged to check the V/Line website for times.
