Thousands of Victorian Residents told to Leave Before Sunset as Massive Fire Spreads

People in the towns of Gellibrand, Kawarren, Beech Forest, Forrest, Barongarook and surrounding areas in the Otways National Park are being urged to evacuate.

The bushfire continues to burn in the hills near Harcourt, Australia, on Jan. 12, 2026. Jesse Thompson/Getty Images

Residents of more than 1,000 homes in Victoria are being urged to leave before sunset in anticipation of a massive fire spreading and the arrival of a severe heatwave.

Victoria Police and State Emergency Service crews began door knocking homes and properties in the Greater Otways area on Jan. 26, strongly recommending that residents evacuate immediately.