General News
31 January, 2025
New fires sparked in Grampians
Five new fires have started in the northern and southern parts of the Grampians National Park after dry lighting sparked the separate ignitions on Monday evening.
Five new fires have started in the northern and southern parts of the Grampians National Park after dry lighting sparked the separate ignitions on Monday evening.
The fires began between 5pm and 6pm with three in the northern part and two in the southern part of the National Park.
A watch and act message was issued for Cranage, Wartook, Zumsteins, Brimpaen, Cherrypool, Glenisla and Laharum on Tuesday night with residents urged to monitor conditions as they are changing.
Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nuget said the fires have been incredibly challenging to contain.
“It will continue to grow in size and will burn for some time,” he said.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardmann said the fire will be in play for some time.
"The fires are in particularly in remote and inaccessible areas," he said.
"The outcome of that will continue to grow and become a campaign fire.
"The fires will progress and meet up with those in the northern parts of the Grampians."
Mr Hardmann said the Wartook and Halls Gap and communities are now at risk.
"Those fires in the next few days have the potential to spread and impact those communities," he said.
"We are not looking to evacuate Halls Gap at this stage."
The hot weather predicted for the weekend poses a threat to the out of control fires with Saturday forecasted to have southerly and south-westerly winds that could push it into unburnt country.
"It could move to the east on Saturday subject to wind change," Mr Hardmann said.
The majority of the Grampians National Park continues to remain closed and residents and visitors in surrounding areas are strongly urged to stay informed on the situation.
Information can be accessed through VicEmergency's app or website as well as their Facebook and X pages.
The VicEmergency hotline can be contacted at 1800 226 226 for any information and local radio stations will also broadcast any emergency information.