Information about the fire
The Grampians National Park fire is now over 76,000 ha with a perimeter of about 390km.
Crews, aircraft and heavy machinery continue to focus on containing any remaining active fire and hotspots.
Controlled burning out operations may be undertaken over the coming days when conditions are suitable to help strengthen our containment lines. An increase in smoke may be visible in nearby communities.
The Grampians National Park remains closed with limited access to residents into Halls Gap.
Key concerns
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. Disconnect your downpipes and hose off your roof catchment areas to prevent contaminants entering your tanks.
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.
Mild weather conditions have allowed crews to strengthen containment lines around the fire, but stronger winds and warmer weather is predicted over this coming weekend. Continue to monitor conditions and be ready to act.
Protect your health
Smoke will be in the air as burning-out operations continue. If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, contact 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/
Wildlife
If you come across injured wildlife, contact the Wildlife Coordinator on 1300 356 682. There are wildlife welfare crews conducting assessments with vets to care for injured wildlife and food drops are being conducted throughout the Grampians National Park.
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.
Reconnecting power after fires
Powerlines have been affected by the fire. Powercor are working to restore these services as soon as possible. All residential properties have had power restored. For a list of registered electrical contractors, visit the Energy Safe Victoria website.
Fires may have damaged electricity assets and supply points at properties. If you are returning to your property and have found damage or have been disconnected, you should engage a registered electrical contractor to safely restore power.
If you have rooftop solar panels, contact your installer or a licensed electrician to check the condition of these panels before turning the system on.
More information about electrical safety after a fire: www.powercor.com.au/power-outages-and-emergencies/emergency/fire-safety/
Disaster Recovery Allowance
Federal Disaster Recovery Allowance information is available from Services Australia. If you were seriously affected by the bushfires in Western Victoria which started on 17 December 2024, you could be eligible for this payment. www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/bushfires-western-victoria-december-2024
More information is provided on your local council’s website and social media channels or you can call the VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226. https://knowyourcouncil.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
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing emergency relief information https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/personal-hardship-assistance-program
You can contact VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226 to speak to someone about assistance after the fire. They can connect you with people who can help.
For up-to-date information, visit the relief and recovery section on the Vic Emergency website. https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/
Stay informed
Warnings remain in place for the area, these may change over coming days due to weather and firefighting efforts. Please stay informed via:
- 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.
