A bushfire in Victoria destroyed homes, cut water supplies, and forced evacuations due to extreme conditions.

A bushfire in Victoria’s Otway Ranges, 200 km southwest of Melbourne, has destroyed at least three homes and threatens Gellibrand and Kawarren, fueled by extreme heat and erratic winds. The Carlisle River fire damaged a water treatment plant in Gellibrand, cutting off safe tap water and leaving supplies unsafe. Residents were told to shelter in place, with officials stating evacuation was no longer safe. Many, including resident Rob Murphy, fled to Colac just before conditions worsened. Authorities are working to restore water access and arrange alternatives once it is safe to return, as the fire remains active and uncontained.