On Wednesday the 16th of February 1983, a hot and dry northerly wind was occurring over Victoria and this caused great concern to fire fighters and disastrous conditions. The Otway fire started in Deans Marsh from a Saw mill at 2:56pm and travelled through the national park where high fuel loads, thick dry vegetation and the right conditions causing it to spread dramatically and quickly all the way to the coast. The head of the fire had hit Lorne/Big Hill area by 6pm where the worse was feared. A wind change was occurring. This wind change came in from the south west, which is a usual wind change for this area. The whole eastern flank of the fire now became the head of the fire. The conditions and size of the fire left fire fighters no chance to control it. It was destroying almost everything in its path. Only the very few lucky ones still had a house after this fire had been through. With the wind now pushing the fire east along the coast it had hit Aireys by 7:30pm. The wind showed no sign of calming down. By 9pm the fire had hit Anglesea. It was along Jarosite road the main part of the fire was controlled. Fire fighters were very lucky for this to happen. This fire burnt through 41,000 hectares of land, 729 houses, 53 other buildings and killed 3 people. Keep up to date with what is happening in the area. Stay safe Geocachers. Enjoy it!