Victoria is currently battling several out-of-control bushfires, with the Grampians National Park at the center of the crisis as authorities issue urgent evacuation orders. The fires, fueled by scorching temperatures and catastrophic wind conditions, threaten numerous towns across the state.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Friday is expected to see humidity levels rise, which could aid firefighting efforts early. Senior meteorologist Michael Efron mentioned, "But as we head to Friday afternoon, we’re looking at dry conditions, and those winds will still be moderate, maybe even locally fresh.” Winds are anticipated to gust between 30 to 40 km/h, with higher gusts recorded at elevated areas of the Grampians.
Residents, particularly from towns including Bornes Hill, Moyston, Pomonal, Mafeking, and Strathmore, have been ordered to evacuate immediately as the fire has been described as uncontrollable. Emergency services have classified the bushfire as “hellish,” with wind gusts expected to exceed 90 km/h, worsening the perilous situation.
The Grampians fire has already scorched over 55,000 hectares and continues to pose danger as the temperatures soar, reaching up to the mid-30s by Thursday afternoon. Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent warned of potential property losses, saying, "I wouldn't be surprised at some point if we do have residential losses,” as conditions are the worst seen since the infamous 2019 Black Summer.
Authorities have declared total fire bans across nearly all of Victoria, reinforcing caution. Premier Jacinta Allan delivered a stark warning to the public, emphasizing, "The message couldn't be clearer: today's a day of total fire ban across Victoria. Don't be a dickhead. No fires to be lit.”
Fire crews have been working tirelessly, and Northern Grampians Shire Council mayor Karen Hyslop confirmed, "It's been a long haul; it's been nine days we've had the fire burning for.” Around 300 firefighters, including personnel from Tasmania, have been deployed to combat the flames.
With forecasts predicting extreme conditions continuing through the weekend, the experience from the recent fires has caused unease among local residents. Will Hudson, who evacuated from Halls Gap, expressed concerns, stating, "It's just a lot of unknown and uncertainty not knowing what the weather's going to do.”
Firefighters are now facing what the State Control Centre described as "a critically dangerous time of the day" as they prepare for changing wind patterns, which could exacerbate the fire’s spread. Incident Controller Mark Gunning acknowledged the unpredictability: "It could swirl around, it could push in any number of directions.”
The winds are expected to shift late Thursday, bringing fresh challenges as the control efforts have already faced significant hurdles. Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Dean Narramore warned: "If fires get going or already are through the Grampians National Park, the weather conditions mean any fire will be uncontrollable and uncontainable.”
Local businesses are also feeling the strain, and Hyslop has called for government assistance for recovery efforts following the disaster. Halls Gap Zoo has initiated evacuations for some animals as well, raising concerns about the wildlife affected by the devastating blazes.
Jenny McAllister, the Emergency Management Minister, assured the public of the government’s readiness for any necessary assistance, stating the federal government remains available for support. Meanwhile, power utilities are anticipating power cuts to prevent potential sparks from downed lines amid the raging fires.
With temperatures forecasted to soar beyond 40 degrees Celsius on Thursday, Victoria's air remains thick with thick, dry heat, making firefighting dangerous. A severe weather warning for damaging winds has extended across much of western Victoria, keeping the threat level elevated.
Residents and emergency services alike are hoping for rain but are met with discouragement as forecasters predict limited precipitation and scorching conditions to persist. Efron summed up the situation when he indicated, "It’s unlikely there’ll be much more than a few millimeters [of rain]. It should slightly reduce the fire spread, but it’s not enough to extinguish the fire.”
The emotional and physical toll of these devastating fires is heavy on local communities, with many families facing the harrowing decision of whether to evacuate. Marc Sleeman, reflecting on the recent bushfires, voiced his concerns: "After the February bushfires, it left a significant scar on the landscapes here."
This historic bushfire event emphasizes the pressing need for heightened awareness and proactive safety measures against the harsh realities of climate change, with the devastating impacts felt far and wide across Victoria. Firefighters remain on alert as the situation continues to evolve with the weather.
