Several fires are breaking out along the Surf Coast and Otways as the region braces for more extreme weather to start the week.
An advice message has been issued for a blaze in Benwerrin, about seven kilometres south of Deans Marsh, while areas near Cape Otway and Apollo Bay are under watch and act alerts.
The Benwerrin fire broke out around 9.30am on Monday morning with several units responding.
It comes as temperatures in Geelong and areas of the Surf Coast are expected to reach high 30’s again, following Sunday’s wild weather which included severe storms.
“The hot conditions have generated some very significant storm activity across the state yesterday afternoon,” Luke Heagerty from the State Control Centre said.
“We’ve seen thousands of lightning strikes hit the ground across the west, central and South Gippsland parts of the state.
“Those storms have resulted in the growth of some of the existing fires and also new fires have started as a result of those lightning strikes.”
Locals in Benwerrin, Wymbooliel, Deans Marsh, Murroon and Pennyroyal have been advised to stay informed and monitor conditions.
