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Fire authorities have issued an emergency warning for an out-of-control bushfire at Cape Otway, Hordern Vale on Victoria’s south-west coast.
Locals and campers have been told it is too late to leave the area safely and they must take shelter now.
The bushfire is burning at Blanket Bay Road and is travelling in a westerly direction towards Lighthouse Road.
A watch and act alert has also been issued for Hordern Vale and Glenaire.
An evacuation centre has been set up at the Apollo Bay Community Hall, in Whelan Street, Apollo Bay.
Campers have been directed to the evacuation centre and bushfire alerts sent to the mobile phones of around 1000 people in the area.
Where possible, people are being told to take shelter indoors.
Advice from the Country Fire Authority includes:
- Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from pure cotton or wool. Wear leather boots.
- Bring your pets inside.
- Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and turn off cooling systems.
- You must take shelter before the fire arrives. The extreme heat is likely to kill you well before the flames reach you.
- Shelter in a room that has two exits, such as a door or window including one directly to the outside. It is important to be able to see outside so you know what is happening with the fire.
