December 28th 2024.
A bushfire that has been raging out of control in the Grampians National Park has caused the loss of at least one home, six sheds, and another structure. This devastating fire has already burned an astounding 74,000 hectares, which is roughly the size of Singapore. The fire is expected to continue burning for weeks to come, leaving many in the region understandably concerned.
In light of this ongoing threat, community meetings will be held throughout the region today. The residents of Halls Gap and Pomonal, who were previously forced to evacuate their homes, are now able to return as the fire threat reduces. This is welcome news for those who have been anxiously waiting to see if their homes and properties have been spared from the flames.
Thankfully, cooler conditions have arrived, providing some relief for the locals in nearby towns such as Pomonal, Moyston, and Willaura. Today, the temperature is expected to reach a high of 25 degrees, a stark contrast to the extreme conditions experienced on Boxing Day when much of the state was under a total fire ban. During that time, catastrophic and high fire danger ratings were in effect due to intense heat and severe winds with gusts of up to 100km/h. It was a dangerous situation that authorities were working tirelessly to contain.
Unfortunately, some individuals chose to ignore the fire ban and were caught lighting illegal campfires. Victoria Police reported responding to six illegal campfire callouts on Boxing Day, most of which were discovered in regional Victoria. This reckless behavior only added to the already dire situation and put emergency services at further risk.
Although the fire danger has subsided somewhat, multiple Victorian towns are still under watch and act warnings. The latest updates on these warnings can be found on official government websites. Firefighters are taking advantage of the milder weather today, working hard to reinforce containment lines and extinguish any remaining hot spots. However, authorities are still cautioning residents in the area to remain vigilant and stay safe.
It has been reported that approximately eight structures have been destroyed by the fire, including a property, with the full extent of the damage still being assessed. Several sheds in Moyson and a non-residential structure in Pomonal have also been lost. Emergency services are waiting for the all-clear before entering the affected areas to conduct further impact assessments.
The bushfire is currently moving in an easterly direction from Grampians National Park and has already damaged a communications tower at Mt William. This could potentially affect internet and mobile services in the area, causing additional challenges for those impacted by the fire.
In the wake of this disaster, about 163 people have sought assistance at relief centers, with two remaining open in Ararat and Stawell. The government is providing disaster relief for those affected by the fires in four local government areas: Ararat, the southern Grampians, the northern Grampians, and the Macedon Ranges Shire. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has assured the affected communities that they will receive the support they need during this difficult time.
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