December 19th 2024.
Today, the temperatures in Victoria are expected to rise once again, creating challenging conditions for the brave firefighters who are fighting a raging blaze in the Grampians National Park. The fire, which started on Wednesday near Mirranatwa on Yarram Gap Road, has already burned over 7,600 hectares and shows no signs of slowing down. As a result, residents in Bornes Hill, Mirranatwa, the Grampians, Jimmy Creek, and Victoria Valley have been advised to prepare for evacuation as the current "watch and act" warning remains in place. For the latest updates and emergency advice, you can visit the VicEmergency website.
The fire is currently moving in a north-easterly direction in the Serra Range and towards Victoria Valley and Bornes Hill in the south. VicEmergency recommends that residents in these areas closely monitor the situation, paying attention to factors such as wind speed, direction, and visibility. If you live in one of the impacted areas and decide to leave, it is recommended to use Victoria Valley Road and head towards Dunkeld. Please note that several roads, including Grampians Road, Victoria Valley Road, and Yarram Gap Road, are closed for safety reasons.
In other news, a man has been arrested for driving at 130km/h on the wrong side of the road in a 60km/h zone. It is a stark reminder to all drivers to always prioritize safety when traveling near the area. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, it is best to make a safe U-turn and head to safety. A relief center has been set up at 14 Sterling Place in Dunkeld, although it is currently unstaffed. Additionally, the southern part of the Grampians National Park has been closed to the public by authorities.
Another watch and act message has been issued for a bushfire in The Gurdies, located in southern Gippsland, east of Melbourne. According to the warning, the fire is moving towards Woodland Close off St Helier Road from the Sand Supplies in The Gurdies. While firefighters have been able to slow down the fire's spread for now, it is essential to remember that the situation can change at any moment. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor conditions closely and be ready to act if necessary.
The fire has been burning since 3:28 pm yesterday, and conditions continue to be tough for firefighters. While temperatures in Melbourne are expected to reach 34 degrees, they will be much higher in the Mallee, with daytime maximums reaching 40 degrees. Due to the combination of scorching temperatures, dry conditions, and strong north-to-northwesterly winds, the Mallee and Wimmera regions are facing extreme fire danger, and a total fire ban is in place. The South West, where the Grampians fire is burning, is also at high risk of fire danger.
In September, the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services warned of the potential dangers of this year's fire season. This warning particularly applies to southwestern Victoria, including the Wimmera region, Grampians National Park, and Mallee country. According to the report, the current level of dryness in these areas is significant, and unless there is significant rainfall in the spring, the flammability of fuels in forests and woodlands will remain high. As a result, the bushfire season is highly likely to start early in these areas.
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