Current Situation
This fire started on 17th December 2024 by lightning and is now 76,476ha and has a perimeter of approximately 397km.
Fire fighters and aircraft have held the fire front south of Halls Gap, at lake Bellfield.
On Boxing Day extreme weather and strong northerly winds followed by a change in wind direction to gusty westerly winds resulted in significant fire activity increasing the size of the fire and pushed the fire front toward the townships of Pomonal, Dunkeld, Moyston, Willaura, Maroona and Glenthompson. However, the threat has reduced for now with moderate weather conditions. Crews continue to monitor fire conditions on the north and west sides.
Aircraft and ground crews have been focusing on managing active fire edge, dozers, graders and excavators are tracking the fire edge and undertaking hazard tree assessments. Crews remain active around townships for asset protection.
Mt William communications tower is still operational on generator power and no impact to communications moving forward.
Residents accessing the fire affected areas must remain vigilant, as tree hazards may be present. Many roads within the fire affected areas have not been assessed and remain closed due to tree risk. Crews will be undertaking assessment and treatment over the coming days.
Powerlines impacted by fire remain offline with no power to approximately 327 customers around Moyston, Maroona and Wilaura areas. Mains power has been restored to public telecommunications services in Moyston, including Telstra, Optus and NBN. This situation could change at any time as there is still active fire, and infrastructure still needs to be fully assessed.
Currently we have over 300 personnel working on this fire from FFMV, Parks Vic, CFA, FRV, SES, RFSQLD, NSWRFS and Tasmanian Fire Services
Injured Wildlife
If you come across any injured wildlife contact, Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300 or DECCA on 136 186 or Wildlife Rescue on 1300 596 457
Grampians National Park is closed
All the Grampians National Park is closed to the public.
Entering the Park may hamper firefighting activities. Unauthorised people found in the park may be prosecuted.
Information on parks closures due to fires is available on the Parks Victoria website: www.parks.vic.gov.au
Community meetings
Community Meetings are planned for Sunday 29th December at the following locations are still to be confirmed:
- Willaura
- Pomonal
- Halls Gap
- Laharum
Relief information
Ararat
Alexandra Oval Community Centre, 1 Waratah Ave, Ararat
Register your attendance at Ararat Relief Centre via this link Ararat Relief Centre
Companion animals are welcome must remain on a lead at all times. Please bring your own food, water bowl and bedding.
Stawell
Grampians Community Health (known as “The Shacc”), 22 Patrick Street. Stawell.
Register your attendance at Stawell Relief Centre via this link Stawell Relief Centre
Pets are welcome, please ensure they are on a lead at all times.
Contact your local council or attend a relief centre to find out about available support services.
Livestock
Agriculture Victoria is working with fire response agencies and impacted communities to assess agriculture impacts from fires in, and around, the Grampians National Park.
There have been some confirmed reports of fencing, pasture and hay losses from the Grampians fire, as well as around 800 beehives. Agriculture Victoria is continuing to contact beekeepers with licensed sites in the Grampians National Park to determine any further impacts, as well as follow up on reports of livestock losses.
Agriculture Victoria’s immediate focus is on any urgent animal welfare needs. Landholders impacted by the fires are asked to report any urgent animal welfare needs by phoning the VicEmergency hotline, 1800 226 226.
Livestock and horse owners are also encouraged to ensure they have a Property Identification Code (PIC) and their details are up to date. Having a PIC is crucial during an emergency as it allows us to locate your property and get in touch with you if needed. It is easy to apply for a PIC or amend your details at agriculture.vic.gov.au/pic.
Our staff will continue to work with and support farming families, farm businesses and rural communities as they respond and recover from the impacts of the bushfires.
Impacted farmers are encouraged to reach out and access technical support by emailing recovery@agriculture.civ.gov.au or visit the Agriculture Victoria website
Key concerns
Smoke will still be in the area. Firefighting crews and large machinery will be moving in and out of the fire ground.
Aircraft will continue to assist firefighters when and where possible.
Continue to be vigilant over the coming months and be prepared for any future days of high fire risk and have a fire plan in place.
Protect your health
Smoke will be in the area.
Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 (this is a phone service that allows you to discuss any health related issue with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria).
Road closures
There are a numerous roads closed due this fire. Information on updated road closures is available via 13 11 70 or the VicTraffic website traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Mental health
It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions following a distressing event. There is always help available through:
- Your doctor
- Local mental health professionals
- Lifeline - 131 114
- Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
- MensLine - 1300 789 978
- Kid’s Help Line - 1800 55 1800
- Parent Line - 13 22 89
Family Violence
There is an increased risk of family violence after an emergency. Help is available. Visit www.vic.gov.au/familyviolence or call 1800 737 732 (1800RESPECT).
Useful information
More information is provided on your local council’s website and social media channels https://knowyourcouncil.vic.gov.au/.
Contact VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226) to speak to someone about recovering. They can connect you with people who can help.
Stay informed
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
- VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
- VicEmergency app.
- Facebook or Twitter (#vicHAZARD).
- Local radio Horsham 94.5FM, 98.5FM & 101.3FM
- Local radio Hamilton 88.9FM, 93.7FM
To access this information in other languages call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
