4.30PM: The bushfire threat to Kennett River has been reduced, according to an updated warning issued by the Forest Fire Management Victoria.
However, community members should remain informed and continue to monitor conditions.
Emergency services will remain in the area, and smoke may continue to be visible from nearby communities and roads, the warning said.
The relief centre at 20, Pengilly Ave, Apollo Bay will close at 6pm.
The next update for Kennett River is expected at 10am on Sunday.
A watch an act warning for Big Hill, Eastern View, Memorial Arch and Moggs Creek remains in place and residents should be prepared to evacuate if required.
The next update for these areas is expected at 5:40pm on Saturday.
1.50PM: An updated watch and act warning has been issued by the CFA for Big Hill, Eastern View, Memorial Arch and Moggs Creek.
The warning replaces the previous message, issued at 9.21am.
An extreme fire danger rating has been declared and the BOM has issued a weather warning for wind gusts up to 90 kilometres an hour.
Increased wind conditions may increase the fire behaviour, the warning read.
“It is strongly recommended that you prepare to evacuate now,” the warning said.
Those impacted are advised to go to friends and family in a safer location, the relief centre in Torquay and the Lorne Surf Club will be opened as a relief centre if required.
1PM: A second watch and act warning has been issued along the Surf Coast, with those in the Kennett River area told to prepare to evacuate.
The warning, issued just before 1pm on Saturday afternoon, said firefighters and aircraft were actively working to keep a bushfire just 300m north of Kennett River under control.
The fire is currently under control, however Forest Fire Management Victoria warned bushfires can start spot fires and embers can travel large distances ahead of the main fire.
Like the Eastern View fire, the Kennett River blaze was a planned burn from earlier in the week, but weather conditions meant that it had potential to breach containment lines, according to a spokeswoman from the State Control Centre.
An extreme fire danger rating has been declared and the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a weather warning for wind gusts between 60 and 70 kilometres per hour.
“It is strongly recommended that you prepare to evacuate now,” the warning read.
“If you don’t evacuate, it may be too late to leave.”
Those in the impacted area are advised to:
Pack cash; clothing and medicine for three days; phone and chargers; toiletries; important documents mementos and photos; pet essentials, including leash and carriers;
If possible, make sure your neighbours are aware of the situation and check if they need help;
Check the VicRoads website for road closures;
Be aware of any road closures when you leave.
Residents have been advised to go to friends or family in a safer location, and a relief centre has been established at Grant Pavilion, Kurwarrk Lane in Torquay.
The next update is expected at 4.30pm, although residents are advised the bushfire could impact before then.
EARLIER: A watch and act warning has been issued for the Eastern View memorial arch area on the Surf Coast ahead of hot, windy weather.
A warning issued on Friday night said there was a bushfire at 0.3km north of Eastern View, which is located between Lorne and Fairhaven, that was under control.
A relief centre will be open from 10am Saturday at Grant Pavilion, Kuwarrk Lane in Torquay.
A State Control Centre spokeswoman said the blaze was a planned burn from earlier in the week, but weather conditions meant that it had potential to breach containment lines.
Extreme fire danger rating has been declared and the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a weather warning for wind gusts between 60 and 70 kilometres an hour.
The bushfire could impact the location any time between 6am and 11am Saturday and residents have been warned to prepare to evacuate.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top of 35 degrees on Saturday in Torquay.
“If you are located in the Eastern View Memorial Arch area, we encourage you to consider leaving early or at least leave by 6am Saturday morning before the severe winds begin,” the warning read.
Friday night’s warning said people should:
Pack cash; clothing and medicine for three days; phone and chargers; toiletries; important documents mementos and photos; pet essentials, including leash and carriers;
If possible, make sure your neighbours are aware of the situation and check if they need help;
Check the VicRoads website for road closures;
Be aware of any road closures when you leave.
Where to go:
You can go to friends or family in a safer location or the relief centre.
Originally published as Surf Coast fires: Kennett River warning downgraded, Eastern View watch and act remains in place
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