Multiple fires have been started by lightning strikes in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park since late December and are being managed by the Horsham Incident Control Centre:
- Wallaby Rocks (not yet under control) – started at Victoria Range (Bullawin) on the west side of the Park
- Yarram Gap (under control) – along the eastern side of the Park between Bellfield and Bornes Hill
The Wallaby Rocks fire is the result of several fires that have now merged into one fire.
Current situation
The Wallaby Rocks fire is not yet under control and is about 59,000 hectares in size with a perimeter of more than 300 kilometres.
The size of this fire has grown significantly because of erratic and strong winds earlier in the week, mainly in the Victoria Valley section of the park.
More than 100 personnel and heavy machinery have been working to build and reinforce containment lines. Favourable conditions on Wednesday and overnight have helped crews get the job done.
In the northwest of the park, crews are thickening and reinforcing the control line between the intersection of Assess Ear Road and Lodge Road, to Red Rock Road and Billywing Road. This containment line is to reduce the risk of the fire leaving the park towards private land.
Smoke and flames may continue to be visible.
Weather conditions have made our job more difficult with dry lightning storms and strong winds, but the outlook for the next day or two is for more favourable.
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 in both directions between Glenisla Crossing Road, Glenisla, and Natimuk-Hamilton Road. Never drive around road blocks.
Information on updated road closures is available via
13 11 70 or the VicTraffic website traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Weather
Heatwave conditions are likely to intensify from today and into next week with highs into the high 30s
For information and resources to help you prepare for extreme heat, visit the Department of Health website - Extreme heat and heatwaves
Wildlife welfare
If you see wildlife impacted by fire, call the Horsham Incident Control Centre Wildlife Coordinator on 1300 356 682. Don't try to rescue the animal yourself.
Park visitors
The Southern Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is closed, including Mt Abrupt, Mt Sturgeon and Piccaninny walking tracks. These will remain closed until it is safe for people to return. The Grampians Tourist Road from Dunkeld to Halls Gap is currently open.
Thank you to the community and visitors for your patience. For more detailed information 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. Scan the QR code for further information or 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 recirculate 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 or scan the QR Code and search ‘after a fire’.
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
