Firefighters and police have been saving more than homes and people from the threat of bushfire along the Great Ocean Road.

As they battled flames along the coast, CFA crews found a koala lying unconscious by the side of the road near Lorne and saved her from a fiery death.

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The officers transported the animal back to their station then placed its wellbeing in the hands of Victoria Police.

Police nursed the koala, hand-feeding her water and gum leaves until she regained strength.

She is reportedly in sound health and has been nicknamed Constable K. Bear.

Wildlife Victoria’s Amy Hidge said that while it’s still too early to say how many animals have died in the fire, people who come across an animal that “looks off” should call Wildlife Victoria.

“We understand that at the moment looking for animals is a low priority, but at this stage we just need people to look out for bushfire-affected animals,” she said.

“Often, you can’t see if the pads on their feet have been burnt or if they have smoke inhalation, so we’re saying that if they look a bit off, they’re probably bushfire affected.”