Victoria has been placed on high alert for more bushfires with authorities fearing the Surf Coast catastrophe is only the beginning.
The blaze has already destroyed 116 homes and the temperatures are forecast to continue to soar this week, with Melbourne expected to hit 37C on Tuesday.
The forecast has concerned fire-fighters who continue to battle the 2286ha blaze near Lorne on the Great Ocean Road.
There are also fears of a potential flare-up of the 4570ha fire at Scotsburn, near Ballarat, which fire-fighters have managed to contain.
Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley warned people should prepare for another dangerous week ahead.
“The next belt of hot, windy weather will be the problem,” he said.
Great Ocean Rd fires: How you can help
To donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery fund call 1800 811 700 or visit redcross.org.au
■ The CFA is always looking for new volunteers, join at cfa.vic.gov.au
■ Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary has opened doors to stranded pets and injured wildlife. Donate on 5254 2484, or to Wildlife Victoria on 1300 094 535 or at wildlifevictoria.org.au
Assistance and insurance
■ Call the Victorian Emergency Recovery Information Line on 1300 799 232, contact Emergency Relief and Recovery Victoria at recovery.vic.gov.au, or the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist at disasterassist.gov.au.
■ Emergency Relief Assistance payments can provide up to $520 per adult and $260 per child to help meet immediate needs.
■ There are also Emergency Re-establishment Payments available, up to $32,500 per household for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs and rebuilding.
■ Victims and evacuees can call Victorian Environmental Health Unit on 1300 761 874, Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667, the Victorian Environment Protection Authority on 9695 2777 or 1300 372 842.
■ The Insurance Council of Australia is urging affected residents to call the insurance hotline on 1800 734 621. AAMI is calling on bushfire-affected customers to contact them ASAP on 13 22 44 or aami.com.au.
How to cope
■ Personal and family counselling hotlines are available 24/7 through Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978 and Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
