On Monday, January 27 lightning strikes ignited multiple fires within Grampians National Park. The Horsham Incident Control Centre is managing three major fires: the Wallaby Rocks and Taylors Track fires in the Northern Grampians and the Bullawin Road fire in the Victoria Valley, located in the Southern Grampians.
Current situation
Wallaby Rocks Fire:
Not yet under control and approximately 6,837 hectares in size. There is minimal active fire on the northern edge. Fire crews have completed considerable work establishing containment lines to prevent any spread.
Taylors Track Fire:
Approximately 74 hectares in size. This fire has been contained and crews continue to patrol and monitor closely.
Bullawin Road (Victoria Valley):
Not yet under control and is approximately 30,826 hectares in size with a perimeter of more than 110 kilometres. The extent of this fire has significantly grown due to erratic wind patterns that have increased fire activity, mainly along the Western edge.
We are using crews, machinery and aircraft to consolidate containment lines whenever weather conditions are favourable.
Crews completed the back burning along the north and west Boundary Road to join the Bullawin Road fire to the Yarram Gap fire.
Crews are also burning a line on the south side of Serra track to Syphon Road where they will burn the west side of the Syphon track from its southern end. This fire continues to burn in small pockets internally.
There have been a small number of break outs over established control lines and more lines are being established to ultimately contain the fire spread. Smoke and flames may continue to be visible.
With a change to northerly winds, there is a risk of significant movement of both fires to the south. Control strategies aim to keep the fire within the park boundary, minimising impact to private property.
This fire has the potential for dynamic, unpredictable fire behaviour and agencies are asking the community to remain vigilant and monitor conditions.
Road closures
The Henty Highway is closed between Cavendish and Horsham.
Information on updated road closures is available via 13 11 70 or the VicTraffic website traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Weather
Heatwave conditions likely to intensify into next week. With thunderstorms in the afternoon, small risk of wind gusts up to 90km/hr.
For information and resources to assist in preparing for extreme heat visit the Department of Health website - Extreme heat and heatwaves.
Wildlife Welfare
If you see Wildlife impacted by fire, please call the Horsham Incident Control Centre Wildlife Coordinator on 1300 356 682.
This number is for local members of the community to report wildlife impacted by fire.
Park Visitors
The Southern Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is closed due to the current weather conditions, which are causing unpredictable fire activity.
This includes Mt Abrupt, Mt Sturgeon and Piccaninny walking tracks.
We will look to reopen this area when fire and weather conditions improve and it’s safe to do so.
The Grampians Tourist Road from Dunkeld to Halls Gap is currently open.
Thank you to the community and visitors for your patience. For a full list of the open and closed areas of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au.
Protect your health
Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 ( phone service discuss any health related issue with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Smoke from fires can increase air pollution, and exposure to smoke can affect you and your family's health. For further information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bushfiresmoke.
Smoke health
If you are sensitive to smoke:
- Make sure you have enough Ventolin, and take it with you when you travel
- Tell your family where it is kept – it may be difficult to breathe or speak
- Set air conditioning to re-circulate in your car and at home
- Stay with family or friends away from the smoke impacted area if possible.
Useful information
After a fire: private drinking water and water tank safety
You water source could become contaminated from debris, ash, small dead animals or aerial fire retardants. If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not drink it or give it to animals. Avoid sourcing water from creeks Water drawn from deep bores or wells should continue to be safe to use.
After a fire: cleaning up a smoke affected home
Ventilate your home; wash hard surfaces (furniture, walls and floors); wash soft furnishings (upholstered furniture and bedding); and wash affected clothing. For more information, visit www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au
More information is provided on your local council’s website and social media channels.
- Hindmarsh Shire Council: www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au
- Horsham Rural City Council: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au
- Northern Grampians Shire Council: www.ngshire.vic.gov.au
- Southern Grampians Shire: www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au
