Information about the fire
The Grampians National Park fire started from a lightning strike on 17th December and is 76000ha with a perimeter of about 397km.
Crews, aircraft and heavy machinery continue to focus on consolidating containment lines, treat remaining active fire and any hotspots. Crews will continue patrolling and blacking out the fire edge.
Crews are taking every opportunity to safely burn out unburnt areas while the weather is favourable to contain lines and stop the spread of the fire.
Today’s weather is predicted to be partly cloudy with south westerly winds 15 – 20km/h and becoming light late in the afternoon. Daytime temperatures predicted to be mid to high 20’s with overnight temperatures dropping to around 9.
Monday 30th continues to be partly cloudy, light winds becoming westerly 15 to 25 km/h during the day and south-westerly 20 to 30 km/h during the evening. Daytime temperatures reaching low 30’s with overnight temperatures falling between 10 to 13 deg.
Tuesday 31st will mostly be sunny with light southerly winds 15 to 20 km/h in the morning becoming south-westerly 15 to
25 km/h during the evening. Temperatures reaching 30 to 35 deg and falling to 11 – 14 deg in the evening.
The Grampians National Park remains closed with limited access to residents in Halls Gap. Mt William communications tower is still operational on generator power and no impact to communications moving forward.
Residents returning to their homes must remain vigilant for damaged trees. Many areas within the fire affected zone have not been assessed for hazardous trees and access remains restricted. Residents should also be aware of other hazards such as ash in water collection systems.
Powerlines have been affected by the fire and Powercor are working to restore these services as soon as possible.
Over 300 personnel are working on the fire from FFMV, Parks Victoria, CFA, FRV, SES, RFSQLD, NSWRFS, NSW National parks, ACT and Tasmanian Fire Services.
Wildlife
If you come across injured wildlife, contact Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300 or DEECA on 136 186 or Wildlife Rescue on 1300 596 457.
Relief Centre Information
Family and friends will offer the best comfort and relief as a first option. All relief centres have reverted to standby and will be opened if required.
Key concerns
Smoke will still be in the area. Firefighting crews and large machinery will be operating across the fireground and will be on local roads. Aircraft continue to operate in the area to assist ground crews when and where possible. If returning to fire effected areas, proceed with caution. Mild weather conditions have allowed crews to strengthen containment lines around the fire in the Grampians, but strong winds and warmer weather is predicted early next week. Continue to be vigilant, stay well informed and have a plan in place.
If you see fire or flame do not hesitate to call 000.
Agriculture Victoria
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. 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.vic.gov.au or visit the Agriculture Victoria website
Protect your health
When moving through a fire-affected zone, follow official instructions, avoid unstable structures, and stay low to minimize smoke exposure. If your health is being affected follow the guidelines below
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
Information on current road closures is available via 13 11 70 or the VicTraffic website https://traffic.transport.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/.
You can find the latest newsletters here: https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/news-and-media
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 ABC 774AM
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.
Thank you to interstate crews who have arrived to assist us with the Grampian’s National Park and Surrounds Fire.
