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Local News
20 December 2024

Emergency Alert As Devastation Unfolds At Grampians Bushfire

Residents near Mafeking and Watgania urged to evacuate as fire risk escalates.

An emergency warning has been issued as massive bushfires escalate across western Victoria, particularly threatening communities near the Grampians National Park. Residents of Mafeking and Watgania have been urgently advised to evacuate immediately due to the out-of-control fire threatening their lives.

According to VicEmergency, staying behind is not safe. "Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous. Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay," the agency stated. The fire has rapidly progressed from the Grampians National Park, heading northeast toward Mount William, fueled by shifting wind patterns and dry conditions.

A relief center is set up at Alexandra Oval Community Centre located on Waratah Avenue, Ararat. Since its onset on December 17, the bushfire has already ravaged around 17,000 hectares of land. Earlier warnings for areas including Loch, St Helier, The Gurdies, and Woodleigh have now been adjusted to advise residents to monitor the situation closely.

"These fires are spreading, and we need everybody to activate their plan," Gary Cook, state response controller said. "If you haven't got the VicEmergency app, download it; stay informed, listen to local radio for updates. Keep well-informed of what's going on around you." By 9 PM, reports indicated 11 fires were ablaze across Victoria.

Three distinct bushfires are currently raging across the state, with the Grampians fire being declared as particularly serious. The other two significant fires are located at Bullengarook, central Victoria, and The Gurdies, South Gippsland. While the fire near the Grampians remains dangerous, the situations at Bullengarook and The Gurdies were downgraded from emergency alerts to watch-and-act warnings.

Michael Gunning from the Horsham Incident Control Centre revealed the Grampians fire, which began after lightning strikes, has grown dramatically, now nearing 20,000 hectares. "The fire's grown exponentially this afternoon under severe fire conditions, and it continues to burn out of control," Mr. Gunning told ABC Radio Melbourne.

The authorities have expanded their warning area to include communities such as Halls Gap and Pomonal, which are now on “watch-and-act” alert. Smoke columns have reportedly risen significantly, making conditions unsafe for aircraft. Hundreds of firefighters are engaged on the front lines to combat the blazing inferno.

The Grampians National Park is now closed to the public as emergency services combat the fire. Residents of Mafeking and Watgania received immediate evacuation orders as the fire is inching closer to their communities.

Firefighters reported sporadic conditions throughout the day, as the fire continued to push smoke across the western parts of the state, affecting air quality. The urban skyline of Melbourne displayed unusual orange hues, as confirmed by the Bureau of Meteorology, due to smoke drifting from the Grampians bushfires.

Before 6 PM on Friday evening, residents within Bullengarook and nearby East were initially issued emergency warnings but these were later downgraded by 9 PM to watch-and-act levels. Luke Hegarty from the State Control Centre noted the Bullengarook fire had not spread rapidly and appeared to be less threatening. Local residents had reported more manageable wind conditions.

The Gurdies fire, just south of the Bass Coast near Western Port Bay, has prompted watch-and-act advisories for the communities around Loch, St Helier, and Woodleigh. Roads are being monitored for safety as evacuation routes become more crowded or compromised.

Weather conditions are expected to shift, with cooler temperatures anticipated over the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology indicated improvements might be expected but still warned of strong winds remaining across the impacted areas, keeping fire dangers high.

Tourism operators are suffering as cancellations pour in, resulting from apprehension surrounding the bushfire emergency. Erin Hinchliffe, caretaker of Dunkeld Caravan Park, voiced concern as guests began rescinding their reservations less than two weeks before Christmas. The impact of the fire threatens not only local livelihoods but also the overall morale of tourism-dependent communities.

On the eve of the weekend, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and ready to implement their emergency plans at any moment. The unpredictable nature of fire behavior can change rapidly, indicating the need for constant awareness.

For those needing information on the emergency, resources are available via the VicEmergency website or through downloading the VicEmergency app. Multiple local radio stations are providing updates, and residents are encouraged to stay alert and prepared as the situation develops.

Firefighting crews will continue to receive reinforcements and work earnestly to contain the Grampians bushfire as they face tough conditions throughout this challenging emergency.