General News
7 February, 2025
Fires continue to spread
Fires burning in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park remain uncontrolled and at a high risk of further spread.
The Bullawin Road fire covering 47,000 hectares and the Wallaby Rocks fire burning across 9,500 hectares have merged due to ongoing fire activity and backburning efforts.
Fire crews conducted burning-out operations on Wednesday to direct the fire toward containment lines, resulting in increased smoke in the area.
The fire is advancing northwest through the Victoria Valley, raising concerns about its potential impact.
Authorities warn that weather conditions will remain challenging in the coming days, with strong southerly winds and warm temperatures increasing the fire threat.
There is plenty of smoke and fire in the landscape, and most national park areas are still inaccessible.
On Wednesday afternoon, a Watch and Act alert was in place for Brimpaen, Cherrypool, Glenisla, Glenisla Crossing, Grampians, Hynes, Mooralla, Nurrabiel, Rocklands, Telangatuk East, and Zumsteins.
Meanwhile, firefighters successfully brought the Yarram Gap Road fire under control. The fire started on December 17 and burned 76,000 hectares.
Little Desert
The fire remains uncontained as crews work to strengthen control lines in the Little Desert.
On Tuesday, strong south/south-westerly winds caused two significant breakaways from northern containment lines, prompting an emergency warning for several communities.
Authorities later downgraded the warning, but the situation remains volatile.
Lightning sparked a new fire in the western block, adding to the challenge.
Fire crews quickly halted its spread and are now blacking out hotspots to prevent further flare-ups.
On Wednesday, two Watch and Act alerts remained in place for Goroke, Kaniva, Lawloit, Miram South, Peronne, Kaniva, Miram, Yanipy, Lillimur, Lillimur South, and Serviceton.
Authorities urged the residents in these areas to stay informed as conditions change.
Little Desert National Park remains closed due to the ongoing fire threat.
On Tuesday, Horsham Incident Control Centre deputy incident controller Ben Matthews stated that strong southerly winds accelerated the fire’s movement, producing a large smoke column visible from a great distance.
Falling ash has also been reported across the region.
Authorities urge residents and visitors to remain alert as conditions remain challenging in the coming days.
Strong overnight winds and rising temperatures throughout the week could intensify the fire threat.
Forest Fire Management Victoria chief officer Chris Hardman said, “the second significant fire in that footprint has been really hard for those communities,” he said.
“We have more than 600 firefighters working on the fire over the last couple of days.
“They will be there for some time to come and if you’re in those areas, it’s really important to know that it’s a long way from over.
“It’s really important the community stay aware and focused on what’s happening in their local area.”
Officials emphasise the importance of monitoring the VicEmergency app for updates and checking VicTraffic for road closures.