Communities around the Grampians National Park are on high alert as brutal bushfires threaten their safety just as the holiday season begins. With soaring temperatures and dangerously windy conditions expected soon, officials are increasing fire safety measures to protect both residents and local wildlife.
A total fire ban has been declared for Victoria on December 26, as forecasts predict temperatures soaring to mid-40s Celsius (over 104°F). Fire conditions may mirror those of the devastating 2019/20 bushfires, making it imperative for people within fire-prone areas to take precautions.
According to Country Fire Authority (CFA) Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, the extreme weather will significantly hamper firefighting efforts. "Thursday's conditions will make it difficult for firefighters to suppress a fire should one start," Heffernan stated. He urged residents to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration to prepare their properties properly.
Local residents and business owners were temporarily allowed back to Halls Gap to gather essentials during a limited two-hour window, which sparked anxiety among many. Deputy Mayor Justine Hide, who returned to the eerily quiet town, noted, "It was like the calm before the storm. Aside from the aircraft flying above, and the birds chirping, it was very eerie and still."
For many, this was more than just about collecting belongings; it was about affecting holiday plans. Mary Ann Brown, a resident on the southern edge of the Grampians National Park, expressed concern over shifting wind patterns which could endanger the Dunkeld area. "At this stage, the wind conditions are not pushing the fire toward Dunkeld, but that's expected to change," she explained. With no promise of substantial rain until possibly March or April, the threat of bushfires looms large over the community.
The pre-holiday period has proven troublesome for tourism operators as cancellations have poured in due to the fire threats. The owner of Halls Gap Hotel, Amid Memishi, reported expecting to lose around $400,000 due to the fires impacting bookings made for the holiday period. "I put on extra staff for the holidays, I've had to send them all back," Memishi lamented. "And I've still got to support them financially, so when we hopefully get the all-clear to open, I can get them back."
Memishi's business woes reflect broader concerns throughout the region. This is the second consecutive summer season where bushfires have severely affected tourism. Many establishments like the Royal Mail Hotel and Dunkeld caravan park are experiencing similar issues, with their bookings plummeting. The summer of bushfires has culminated from financial rebates to discourage operators from staying open during unsafe conditions. "It's just making it tough to keep going, with all the interest rate rises and everything just piled on top of this," lamented Memishi.
The state government is responding to the increasing fire danger by reassigning resources from around Australia. More than 100 firefighters are expected from New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, and Tasmania to assist local crews presently overwhelmed by the wildfires. Emergency Management Victoria's Controller David Nugent, who is coordinating the efforts, emphasized the necessity for vigilance among residents: "We remind all Victorians to stay informed of conditions and to make sure they have a fire survival plan for the days ahead.”
The Bureau of Meteorology has echoed these warnings, predicting catastrophic fire conditions across the region on Boxing Day, with northern areas facing potential wind gusts of up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph). The situation is compounded by the fact this latest burst of heat and wind precedes heavy, dry winds blowing through the state.
Fires continue to rage, consuming over 43,000 hectares of land near the national park. Residents who have evacuated towns, particularly the tourist hotspot of Halls Gap, are being advised to stay away until it is deemed safe by officials. Emergency alerts highlight the need for continued caution as conditions will intensify as fire risks escalate throughout the weeks.
On Monday afternoon, Nugent reiterated the risks associated with the upcoming weather patterns, noting, “We have some very difficult weather conditions on Thursday and Friday.” He emphasized, "These conditions will make it far easier for fires to start and to spread, and for existing fires to race off in the direction of the wind."
Victoria’s Deputy Premier Ben Carroll added to public caution during a briefing, stating, "This is the beginning of what will be a long, hot, and dangerous bushfire season.” With community members and businesses pressed for answers, officials continue to work around the clock to manage and contain these uncontrollable blazes.
