Grampians National Park: Aussies told to ‘leave now’ as out-of-control bushfires rip through national park
Out of control wildfires are raging in several corners of the country and evacuation warnings have been issued for more cities in what is shaping up to be a difficult emergency season.
A fast-growing fire in Victoria’s Grampians National Park has destroyed 28,000 hectares on Saturday morning, despite firefighters’ best efforts to tackle the blaze overnight.
Residents of the nearby towns of Bellfield, Bellfield Settlement, Flat Rock Crossing, Fyans Creek, Grampians Junction and Halls Gap have all been told to evacuate immediately.
“Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous,” VicEmergency said.
A shelter for evacuated residents has opened at the Alexandra Oval Community Center in Ararat.
Emergency services said firefighters were able to slow the spread of the blaze, but after its size tripled overnight, authorities warned it would remain out of control in coming weeks.
Residents northwest of Melbourne in Bullengarook in the Macedonia region have also been issued an emergency evacuation warning in light of an out-of-control fire north of Coffeys Road.
Authorities have warned that any departure after 2.30pm would be considered life-threatening.
A fast-growing fire in Victoria’s Grampians National Park has destroyed 28,000 hectares on Saturday morning (photo, firefighters on scene)
Emergency services said firefighters were able to slow the spread of the blaze, but after its size tripled overnight, authorities warned it would remain out of control in coming weeks.
The uncontrolled forest fire (photo) is still raging despite the efforts of the fire brigade
“After 2.30pm on Saturday 21 December it may be too late to leave,” the Country Fire Authority said.
Coffeys Road and Waterloo Flat Road remain closed while an evacuation center has been set up at Kyneton Racecourse at 44 Campaspe Place.
Emergency warnings are also in place for residents of The Gurdies in South Gippsland.
Firefighters in Western Australia and NSW have brought dozens of fires under control in recent days, but temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s are expected to hit the west coast this weekend before pushing east.
An increased fire danger is forecast for southern WA, with dry thunderstorms possible for western parts.
Heatwaves are also continuing in the state’s mid-west, affecting Mingenew and Coral Bay, as well as the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.
Long-term forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology predict above-average temperatures in many parts of the country for the summer of 2024-2025, underscoring emergency services’ bleak outlook.
With high temperatures expected to last until Christmas, Victoria’s Country Fire Authority has urged people to plan ahead.
Residents of the nearby towns of Bellfield, Bellfield Settlement, Flat Rock Crossing, Fyans Creek, Grampians Junction and Halls Gap have all been told to evacuate immediately.
“We know people have a lot to think about during the holidays, but spending a few minutes planning and preparing can save the lives of you and your loved ones,” said Chief Fire Chief Jason Heffernan.
‘On hot, dry and windy days, make sure you can visit a backup location that is not in a high-risk bushfire area.’