Grampians residents urged to leave now as fires spread

Residents in parts of Victoria’s west have been urged to evacuate as fires continue to spread in several directions and more dangerous weather conditions loom.

Emergency services have urged residents in the Grampians to “leave now” after fires continued to spread in several directions overnight.

Residents in the Glenisla, Mooralla, Rocklands and Woohlpooer region, about 360km west of Melbourne, have been warned to leave as soon as they can after a bushfire 18km northeast of the suburb of Cavendish remains out of control.

Emergency services confirmed the fire was expected to affect private land on the western edge at various points between Hoffmans and Woohlpooer roads.

The northwest edge of the blaze has crossed Billywing Track and is heading towards the Henty Highway.

Significant fires continue to burn in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and Little Desert National Park.

Residents in Glenisla, Mooralla, Rocklands and Woohlpooer were told to leave early this morning due to heightened fire activity. Stay informed: https://t.co/FeB4eqQb5hpic.twitter.com/U4eUu2vlJU

— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) January 29, 2025

As a result, the Henty Highway has been closed from Cavendish to Horsham.

Those needing to leave are urged to use roads heading in a westerly direction.

With temperatures set to rise once again on Saturday, there is concern that the fires may burn for longer and cause more damage to homes and property.

Residents in Mona Park, Strachans and Victoria Valley have also been told to evacuate as a bushfire in the Grampians National Park remains out of control.

The fires grew in size overnight on Wednesday and continued to spread in several directions.

Emergency services have warned locals to remain on high alert and activate their fire survival plans. Picture: CFA/Ross Walker

A fire 9km west of Halls Gap has sparked a “Watch and Act” warning for Brimpaen, Wartook and Zumsteins after a bushfire that is not yet under control.

The fire has crossed Asses Ears Rd and is travelling in a northerly direction towards Rosebrook Glenisla Rd.

Residents are being warned that bushfires can spread quickly and can start spot fires distances ahead of the main fire.

Emergency services have urged locals to enact their fire survival plans.

EMERGENCY WARNING - BUSHFIRE - Leave Immediately - Glenisla, Mooralla, Rocklands.

More details at https://t.co/6b3AM0dEvG

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. pic.twitter.com/OVHoJ9AGBd

— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) January 29, 2025

Air quality, particularly north of the Grampians National Park, is poor due to severe smoke.

Authorities have confirmed the smoke is likely to persist and can travel long distances, even if the immediate area is unaffected by a bushfire.

Locals have been urged to minimise the amount of time spent outdoors.

CFA spokeswoman Reegan Key said that the fires had been “erratic overnight”.

“The recent fires started by dry lightning have been affected by tricky winds and very dry conditions.” she said.

There are concerns over a rise in temperatures with the state experiencing “heatwave-like conditions from Sunday onwards.”

“At this stage we are not expecting significant wind but warmer conditions are always more difficult to work with.”

“The communities involved are incredible, they always work together and support one another.”

Ms Key urged residents to remember that it was critical to keep up to date with local radio and news updates despite the milder weather conditions today.

“There are still another four to six weeks of this type of weather to go — being in the middle of summer. Always stay informed about fire danger conditions across the state.”

More extreme weather is looming next week with the state bracing for temperatures of 37C.