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Evacuations Ordered as Bushfires Threaten Victoria’s Grampians and Surrounding Areas

Evacuations Ordered as Bushfires Threaten Victoria's Grampians and Surrounding Areas

Emergency services issued immediate evacuation orders for Halls Gap and nearby areas as bushfires threatened the Grampians region. Authorities warned the fires could burn for weeks, exacerbated by dry conditions and rugged terrain.

Urgent Evacuations in Halls Gap and Beyond

The bushfires in the Grampians, spanning 28,000 hectares, pushed emergency authorities to take drastic measures. Residents in Halls Gap, Bellfield, Fyans Creek, and other localities received evacuation orders. Police conducted door-knocking campaigns, and SMS alerts warned of life-threatening conditions.

Emergency Management Victoria’s Mark Gunning stated, “Nature is so powerful, we really tinker at the edges.”

Nearby localities such as Lake Fyans, Pomonal, and Watgania were also advised to evacuate. The fire, sparked by lightning on Tuesday, continued to spread due to strong southerly winds and extreme dryness.

Also Read: Smoke Blankets Melbourne as Out-of-Control Bushfires Rage Across Victoria

Emergency Warnings in Bullengarook and Beyond

In the Macedon Ranges, authorities issued an emergency evacuation warning for Bullengarook as another bushfire moved north from Coffeys Road. Residents faced a strict 2:30 pm evacuation deadline, as staying longer could be life-threatening.

Firefighting Efforts Underway

Over 400 firefighters, supported by 100 tankers, 25 aircraft, and heavy machinery, worked tirelessly to combat the fires. Despite their efforts, the rugged Grampians terrain hindered ground access, forcing reliance on aerial attacks.

Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Glenn Rudolph explained the strategy: “This fire is in areas we cannot get machinery or crews into, so our strategy has to be ‘burning out’ – the fight fire with fire idea.”

Rudolph assured residents that firefighting efforts included bombing northern spot fires “off the face of the earth.”

Weather Conditions Fuel Fears

Temperatures in the Grampians are set to soar, reaching 36 degrees on Boxing Day. Authorities fear that rising heat and spike weather days could accelerate the fire’s spread.

State Response Controller Garry Cook warned, “The fire is expected to burn for several weeks due to the dry and rugged bushland it’s in.”

Community Impact and Relief Efforts

An emergency relief centre was established at Alexandra Oval Community Centre in Ararat. Additional centres opened in Stawell and other towns to assist displaced residents.

Local businesses in Halls Gap faced a grim reality as fires forced tourists and holidaymakers to cancel plans. Grampians Tourism CEO Marc Sleeman, defending his property, noted, “It’s a ghost town at the moment.”

Halls Gap Zoo Takes Precautions

The Halls Gap Zoo evacuated several animals to safer locations. Owner Mark Treweek described the smoky conditions in town, saying, “We’ve already loaded up and taken some animals out yesterday, including endangered species.”

Lessons from Past Fires

Authorities compared the current crisis to the devastating Mount Lubra bushfire in 2006, which burned 184,000 hectares. Gunning reflected on that fire, warning, “On those bad days, [fires] can actually do their own thing, with some of the winds that the fire itself creates.”

The Gurdies Fire in Gippsland

In South Gippsland, a separate bushfire burned uncontrolled at The Gurdies since Thursday. Covering 180 hectares, the fire caused road closures and reduced speeds along the Bass Highway.

CFA Commander Alan Slijepcevic said, “The fire behaviour has moderated quite a bit overnight,” but cautioned travellers to drive cautiously as firefighting efforts continued.

Tourism and Recovery Efforts in the Grampians

Tourism operators in the Grampians face significant financial challenges as fires disrupt the peak holiday season. Sleeman stressed the importance of visitors returning after the crisis, stating, “We’re going to need everyone’s support to make it through.”

Future Fire Prevention and Preparedness

Authorities reminded residents of the importance of fire prevention measures and community readiness. Planned burns created firebreaks that helped slow the fire’s spread but may not withstand catastrophic conditions.

Mark Gunning summed up the challenge: “When you’ve got a really big fire in the landscape, it likes to do its own thing.”

Residents in fire-prone areas are urged to monitor emergency updates, prepare evacuation plans, and prioritise safety over property.

Stay informed about the latest bushfire developments across Victoria, including the Grampians and The Gurdies. Follow VicEmergency updates and adhere to evacuation orders.

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