Homes destroyed in massive Victorian bushfire that razed nearly 80,000 hectares but conditions are set to change
At least three homes and almost a dozen outbuildings have been destroyed by bushfires in Victoria as firefighters take advantage of more favorable conditions to try to contain the blaze.
Massive bushfires in Victoria continue to burn out of control, although cooler, stable conditions in the Grampians have allowed emergency services to begin initial impact assessments.
Despite the cooler conditions, a Watch and Act notice was issued on Saturday evening for the area on the eastern side of the Grampians National Park from Moyston to Bornes Hill, including Mafeking, Watgania and Maroona.
A Watch and Act warning also remains in force for Halls Gap and Pomonal, while residents of Long Gully Road to College Road, east of Mount William, have been told it is not yet safe to return after an earlier evacuation order.
The fire has a circumference of more than 380 kilometers and has burned more than 75,000 hectares. The fire is expected to continue burning into the new year due to the dry conditions and difficult, mountainous terrain.
Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said the coming week would bring more favorable conditions for firefighters.
“The weather for the coming week looks relatively stable,” he said in a statement late Saturday afternoon.
“This will give us time to stabilize the fires and continue burning operations, and further support the community.”
At least three houses and almost a dozen outbuildings were destroyed by a massive bushfire in the Grampians on Saturday
Firefighters have tried to take advantage of more stable conditions as they try to contain the blaze over the Christmas period
Victoria’s Grampians National Park is closed during the inferno
Three homes have so far been confirmed lost in Moyston, a rural farming community on the edge of the Grampians National Park.
A WATCH & ACTION – BUSHFIRE – The threat has been reduced – Monitor conditions have been issued for the eastern side of the Grampians National Park from Moyston to Bornes Hill, including Mafeking, Watgania and Maroona
A further eleven outbuildings were destroyed by the Moyston and Pomonal fire, which was previously destroyed by fire in 2024.
State Control Center spokesman Luke Hegarty said there was still much work to be done to confirm the damage from the fire.
“These figures will continue to evolve over the coming days,” Mr Hegarty said.
There have been significant losses of livestock, especially sheep.
Three watch and action warnings are in force in and around the Grampians National Park in western Victoria, and the area from Long Gully Road to College Road remains unsafe.
Halls Gap residents can return home, but they will have to show proof of their address and are urged to closely monitor conditions.
‘Watch for changes in conditions, such as increased winds, changes in wind direction or increased smoke in the area. They should be reasons for you to consider implementing your fire plan,” Mr Hegarty said.
Despite the fire destroying more than 75,000 hectares, Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said the coming week would bring more favorable conditions for firefighters
Three homes have so far been confirmed lost in Moyston, a rural farming community on the edge of the Grampians National Park
A further eleven outbuildings were destroyed by the Moyston and Pomonal fire, which was previously destroyed by fire in 2024.
Conditions in western Victoria are expected to remain calm and mild until Sunday, before westerly winds give way to warmer northerly winds on Monday.
Hardship payments have become available to people with homes in evacuation areas or who have suffered property damage through the state and federally funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said the assistance included a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child up to a maximum of $2,380 per eligible family to cover essentials such as food, clothing, medicine and accommodation.
“We will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government as recovery needs become apparent,” Senator McAllister said.
Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said emergency funding would help families meet basic needs so they could focus on recovery.
While firefighters in Victoria are enjoying the cool change, a total fire ban has been issued for the northern slopes of NSW as dry conditions, gusty winds and temperatures above 30 degrees descend on Tamworth, Inverell and the Liverpool Plains.
“We are still experiencing heatwaves and warnings are in place for northeastern parts of New South Wales and much of Queensland,” weather bureau meteorologist Sarah Scully said.
A number of fires are burning or have recently been brought under control in NSW, but only one fire, a grass fire near Tamworth, has exceeded warning level.
Showers and storms developing in the afternoon and evening could be severe, Ms Scully said.