Several bushfire warnings downgraded as cool change sweeps through western Victoria

Local Grampians businesses affected by the huge firestorm are set to lose out on tens of millions of dollars as tourists flee the popular holiday spot.

Local businesses affected by the huge firestorm in the Grampians are set to lose out on tens of millions of dollars, with tourists fleeing the popular holiday destination.

The bushfire has now ripped through more than 75,000ha of land and private property – but there is hope that the easing weather conditions will slow the fire front.

Several emergency warnings were on Friday downgraded to watch-and-act messages, including for Pomonal, which was almost wiped out by fire last February.

A significant drop in temperatures and wind on Friday assisted the firefighting effort but the blaze was last night still not under control.

Residents in and around the Grampians are expected to be granted access back to their homes in the coming days to assess the damage.

The Grampians fire has now ripped through more than 75,000ha of land and private property. Picture: CFA

Emergency authorities fear homes have been lost. Picture: Lexton CFA

It is still not known whether there are any property losses in the area but authorities are bracing for the worst.

Several sheds and fences have been damaged or destroyed and there has been a significant loss of livestock, including sheep and cattle.

Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said he expected some homes to have been lost.

“We are not yet aware of any residential properties that have been lost,” he said.

“That is possible, though, because there is thick bush around there with some homes, and we need to get in there to fully assess that.

“However, none have been reported to us.”

Officials on a road near a bushfire in the Grampians National Park. Picture: AFP

An emergency warning was issued for Pomonal, Bellellen and Black Range just after 7am on Friday. Picture: Diego Fedele

A CFA crew battles a spot fire near Glenthompson. Picture: Diego Fedele

Halls Gap, the popular tourist site dubbed “The heart of the Grampians”, this week resembled a ghost town, with only emergency services in the streets and outskirts.

The town was almost deserted, with many businesses closed in what would normally be one of the busiest periods of the year.

The region lost an estimated $202m in revenue during last February’s bushfire disaster and is set to lose an additional $2m a day this summer.

Halls Gap Zoo owner Mark Treweek said the financial impact would be enormous.

“These last few days have been terrible,” he said.

“There is no business at the moment at our busiest time of the year is gone.

“This is 25 to 30 per cent of our income through this holiday period and now it’s gone for the year.”

Halls Gap CFA captain Justin Cozens said the region – which is usually be packed with thousands of visitors – would take years to financially recover from the bushfires this year.

“It’s weird. It’s normally a very busy time of year, just after Christmas, with thousands of people coming through,” he said.

“It’s an odd feeling. It’s going to have a massive impact for all of the businesses around here.

“It’s not just a short-term thing, this is going to go for years. It’s a massive challenge for them.

“Hopefully, we get all the visitors back to the town and regions once it’s opened up.”

Deputy Premier Ben Carroll announced on Friday that government hardship assistance payments were now available for residents affected by the fires.

“We know this is a challenging time for all communities, and all communities will be supported through this period,” he said.

The bushfire, which is still not yet under control, continues to head east after a slight change in wind direction overnight. Picture: Diego Fedele

Fire season ‘just getting started’

Premier Jacinta Allan warned Victorians to remember that the bushfire season was “only just getting started”.

“It is important, particularly during the holiday season when there’s a lot of people on the move, to follow the advice and follow the rules,” she said on ABC radio.

“Don’t be — as I said — a dickhead, on total fire ban days. It can put people’s lives at risk.

“We live in a beautiful state ... but it’s also a high risk fire state as well in summer. And the summer is only just getting started.”

Ms Allan said Victorians were “blessed” to have the support of local volunteers and communities.

“I know too there’s people who have been coming out from Melbourne. I’ve seen some online posts of the volunteers who have gone out with the meals that they provide to communities in need,” she said.

“There would have been some people that had some really lovely plans for Christmas that they didn’t get to enjoy because they were fleeing a fire, and might not be able to get back home for a little while, because it’s not safe to do so.”