Bushfires could move interstate as total fire ban issued for Victoria on Boxing Day

Authorities have expanded fire warnings in a number of states after warning that fierce bushfires in Victoria will become ‘uncontrollable’.

As firefighters continue to battle blazes in Victoria’s Grampians National Park, authorities have expanded fire warnings to other states as dangerous temperatures and winds increase the area at risk.

Bureau of Meteorology has warned that winds of up to 90 to 100km/h increase the risk of the fire expanding, with meteorologist Dean Narramore saying that the conditions will make the fire “uncontrollable”.

“That’s enough to bring down trees and power lines, cause some minor power outages, but also create dangerous conditions for those ongoing fires through the Grampians,” he said.

Damaging winds on Christmas Day are set to create concerning conditions for the spread of existing bushfires in the Grampians. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

Authorities have issued an extreme fire danger warning for western South Australia and the Mount Lofty Ranges for Christmas Day.

“But it is tomorrow we are more worried about as we see more areas of extreme fire danger,” Mr Narramore said.

The focus will be on eastern parts of South Australia and the majority of Victoria, including Melbourne.

“Conditions will likely be dangerous for fire activity tomorrow as we see a combination of strong winds, high temperatures and dry air, meaning any fire that does get going tomorrow – or already is ongoing in the Grampians – will likely be uncontrollable and uncontainable leading to dangerous and erratic fire behaviour,” Mr Narramore said.

A total fire ban will take effect across Victoria from Boxing Day.

The bushfire razing the Grampians has already torn through more than44,000 ha of land and is expected to spread into the new year, with temperatures likely to skyrocket this week.

Australia is set to experience temperatures of up to 47C on Boxing Day as fires rage on in Victoria. Image: Bureau of Meteorology

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) reported on Christmas morning that the fire had moved north of the southern section of the National Park overnight.

“The fire could burn for weeks, as Grampians National Park has a lot of fuel and very little rain is forecast,” they said.

Forecasters expect the mercury to soar above 40C across Victoria on Thursday and wind speeds to reach between 70 and 80km/h.

Country Fire Authority chief Jason Heffernan said the fires already burning and any new fires that could be sparked as a result of the extreme fire risk were both “major concerns”.

“Follow the strict conditions associated with the total fire ban declaration and understand how the increased fire risk will impact you, and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies,” Mr Heffernan said.

Fires are set to get worse as a result of conditions forecast for Thursday. Picture: Instagram

It comes as not safe to return orders were issued for Bellfield, Bellfield Settlement, Flat Rock Crossing, Fyans Creek, Grampians Junction, and Halls Gap on Christmas Eve.

Authorities are also asking people to avoid travelling in or around the areas flagged by VicEmergency.

More than 200 residents and business owners evacuated from Halls Gap on Saturday were permitted to return to collect personal items on Christmas Eve.

With heatwaves forecast around much of the country from Thursday, Victoria is unlikely to be the only state enduring scorching conditions on Boxing Day.

Parts of southern NSW including Wagga Wagga are expected to hit 39C. Sydney’s in for a cooler forecast of 29C on Thursday, but things are set to heat up on Friday with temperatures forecast to peak at 37C.

The bushfire burning in the Grampians. Picture: Hamilton Fire Brigade

Fire danger will increase in north east NSW from Friday afternoon, with temperatures reaching up to 37C in Sydney and 38C in Moree.

Residents in Sydney’s western suburbs are expected to cop the brunt of the city’s heatwave with an anticipated top of 41C in Penrith on Boxing Day.

Canberra is expected to reach 35C, with Brisbane to remain in the low 30s on Thursday before a searing top of 37C on Friday.

Back in Victoria, authorities will likely continue their efforts to contain the fires into 2025, with eighteen firebombing aircraft and 600 firefighters currently on the ground.

That includes more than 100 personnel who have come from NSW, Queensland, ACT, and Tasmania to assist the CFA’s efforts.

A total fire ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight. The ban will take effect from 12.01am on Boxing Day.