Type Status Location Last Updated
Watch and Act - Fire - Threat is Reduced - Monitor Conditions Moderate eastern side of the Grampians National Park from Halls Gap to Bornes Hill, including Mafeking and Watgania. Yesterday at 7:00 PM
This Watch and Act message is being issued for the eastern side of the Grampians National Park from Halls Gap to Bornes Hill, including Mafeking and Watgania. 

The Bushfire in the Grampians National Park is not yet under control. 

This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act message issued on January 3, 2025, at 6:59pm.  

Residents only are allowed to return to their properties via Traffic Management Points. Proof of address will be required. 

If returning to the fire affected area, proceed with caution.

The spread of the bushfire has slowed for now, but with hot, dry and windy conditions over the weekend, the situation can change rapidly. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act. 

Halls Gap and the Grampians National Park remain closed to visitors. For further details visit the Parks Victoria Website. No access to the park is permitted.

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the Wimmera on Sunday, 5 January 2025.
The threat is reduced, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.
Community newsletter


What you should do: 
 
  • Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing. 
  • Plan what you would do if the situation changes. 
  • If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. 
  • If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions. 
  • Protect yourself and your family. 
  • If you see impacted wildlife - call 1300 356 882 or download the Wildlife Emergency App.
If you need relief from the heat:

Northern Grampians Shire Council and Ararat Rural City Council are providing cool spaces at the following locations: 
  • Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre, open 1pm to 7pm Sunday. 
  • Stawell Library open 2pm to 5pm Sunday.
  • Alexandra oval community centre, open 10am - 5pm Sunday. 

Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe. Remember to: 

  • Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger. 
  • Leave early. Many people have died trying to leave at the last minute during fires. 
  • Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area. 

Recovery and Resilience 

If you have been or may be impacted by the current bushfires in Victoria, it is understandable if you are feeling concerned and experiencing a mix of strong mental, emotional or physical reactions right now.   

For emergency relief information during major incidents, call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226 or visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief.
Impacts in your area: 

  • Residents accessing fire affected areas must remain vigilant, as bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous. 
  • Trees can be extremely dangerous during a bushfire or high winds. Do not stand, park or travel in areas of fire affected trees.
  • Many roads within the fire affected area remain closed. Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
  • Be mindful of the increased traffic, firefighting vehicles, heavy equipment  and aircraft are still working in the area.
  • Smoke from bushfires can reduce air quality and may affect your health. For more information visit the Better Health website. 
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.   

The next update is expected by 05/01/2025 09:10 pm or as the situation changes.   

Use multiple sources to stay informed: 


Accessibility: 

  • The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency. For 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.