Since Monday, devastating bushfires have swept through Grampians National Park, located about 260 kilometres northwest of Melbourne. Ignited by lightning, the fires have expanded rapidly due to adverse weather conditions, scorching an estimated 20,000 hectares. Communities including Halls Gap, Pomonal, Mafeking, and Watgania are among the areas most affected or under threat.
Michael Gunning from the Horsham Incident Control Centre described the fire’s rapid escalation:
“The fire has grown exponentially this afternoon under severe fire conditions, reaching nearly 20,000 hectares. This makes the situation very unstable and dangerous for nearby communities.”
Massive plumes of smoke, visible from kilometres away, have forced authorities to ground reconnaissance and water-bombing aircraft, hindering aerial firefighting efforts.
Local residents in high-risk zones have been issued evacuation warnings, with the emergency alert level set to “leave immediately” for some areas, while others remain on “watch-and-act” status.
Bushfires Impact and Crisis Management
Relief centres, such as the one at Alexandra Oval Community Centre in Ararat, have been set up to provide displaced residents with shelter and essential services. Several local roads, including sections of the Bass Highway, have been closed to protect motorists and allow unhindered access for emergency services.
A summary of affected zones and current alerts:
| Area | Alert Level | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Mafeking, Watgania | Emergency Warning | Leave immediately |
| Halls Gap, Pomonal | Watch-and-Act | Prepare to evacuate |
| Jimmy Creek, Victoria Valley | Active Surveillance | Monitor updates closely |
Extensive Firefighting Efforts
Hundreds of firefighters are working tirelessly on the ground to contain the fires. Heavy equipment such as tankers and bulldozers is being deployed to construct firebreaks, although the dense vegetation of the park poses significant challenges.
Luke Hegarty from the State Control Centre reiterated the urgency:
“These fires are spreading rapidly, and we urge everyone to activate their emergency plans and stay informed through official channels like the VicEmergency app.”
A brief respite came with cooler temperatures on Friday, dropping by 9 degrees in Melbourne. However, strong winds are forecast over the weekend, raising concerns about further fire spread. Despite some expected showers, rainfall totals are predicted to be minimal—less than five millimetres—offering little relief.
A Devastating Blow To Local Tourism
Grampians National Park, a popular tourist destination known for its rugged landscapes and hiking trails, has been completely closed. The fires have disrupted the local economy, with businesses in towns like Dunkeld reporting widespread cancellations just days before the busy holiday period.
Erin Hinchliffe, caretaker at the Dunkeld Caravan Park, said:
“We’ve had massive cancellations for Christmas. This will severely impact local cafes, restaurants, and bed-and-breakfasts.”
Economic losses are expected to be significant, running into millions of dollars for a region heavily reliant on tourism during the festive season.
