Firefighters are intensifying efforts to combat multiple bushfires currently raging within Victoria's Grampians National Park as the region braces for extreme heat. Operations Officer Aaron Kennedy has highlighted the urgency of the situation, especially with two fires at the southern and northern ends of the park sparking significant concern.
According to Kennedy, both fires have expanded considerably since their inception due to lightning strikes earlier this week. "There are very difficult conditions right through next week, we can expect to see elevated temperatures and heatwave conditions across the state," Kennedy warned. Firefighters are gearing up for temperatures reaching as high as 38 degrees Celsius, starting February 2 and continuing through the weekend.
The firefighters are implementing back-burning operations and utilizing aircraft to contain the blazes. The fires are located on the western and southern parts of the park, areas which previously escaped damage during prior bushfires from December and early January. "We’re using aircraft and burning-out operations to try and contain these fires," explained Kennedy, emphasizing the challenging terrain where the fires are burning.
A watch and act alert is currently active for numerous communities, particularly those along the edges of the park, including Mooralla, Woohlpooer, Big Cord, and many others. These warnings serve as reminders for residents to prepare for potential evacuations. "This fire is still active, and the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act," warned the CFA spokesperson.
Measures to curb the flames include creating fire breaks through strategic back-burning, particularly between the towns of Dunkeld and Cavendish. These efforts are aimed at preventing the merging of the two major fires, which could exacerbate the threat to nearby communities. The emergency response is being bolstered by support from Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services personnel, who are sending three members to assist local efforts starting February 2.
Firefighters are particularly concerned about the historic town of Cavendish, which is under close watch as conditions are expected to deteriorate. Reegan Key from the State Control Centre remarked, "With three major fires now...we want to recognize the anxiety and impact these fires are having on the community themselves, but also the traditional owners of this country." The rich Indigenous heritage within the area, including around 200 rock art sites, faces significant risks as the fires rage.
Currently, approximately 10,000 hectares have been scorched due to the fires, and conditions leading up to the heatwave have made fire containment difficult. The firefighters are working against the clock, as benign weather conditions offer some respite. "The next few days, hopefully, we will have firefighters in the area working to support those communities and lessen the impacts," Key stated.
Authorities stress the importance of vigilance, urging residents to finalize their bushfire survival plans. The addition of potential thunderstorms and dry lightning poses yet another hazard during this already elevated fire risk period. Community members are reminded to stay informed through the VicEmergency app and connect with official emergency information websites.
According to forecasts, Victoria is expected to experience harsh conditions over the weekend, with temperatures potentially surpassing 40 degrees Celsius. Both emergency services and local leadership are on high alert for potential flare-ups due to the dry conditions forecasted.
Victorians are advised to remain hydrated and keep checking on those within vulnerable groups during this period of extreme heat. Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent has urged everyone to have plans ready to escape the heat and monitor conditions closely. "Starting tomorrow, we will see severe heatwave conditions across most of Victoria," he warned.
With unprecedented heat predicted and numerous communities at risk, the response to the fires at Grampians National Park remains urgent. Firefighters are taking proactive measures to protect lives and preserve the precious cultural heritage of the region as they confront nature's elements.