Bushfire warnings scaled down after cool change reduces threat
A cool change has slowed an out-of-control bushfire in Victoria's Grampians, but widespread evacuations and fresh lightning strikes keep residents and firefighters on edge as the battle continues.
Every emergency warning in Victoria has been downgraded as reduced temperatures on Friday eased extreme conditions for crews battling bushfires in the Grampians National Park, but residents in Victoria’s west will remain displaced after being told to evacuate.
The fire has surged from 6,000 hectares a week ago to 75,000 hectares, destroying vast sections of the park known for its rugged rock formations and appeal for hikers and climbers.
Thursday’s hot conditions saw the flames spread before a late wind change brought lower temperatures and helped contract the fires.
About 164 people were seeking assistance at relief centres, which remain open in Ararat, Stawell and Hamilton.
Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said the fire had come close to several towns but had not destroyed any homes, thanks to the efforts of emergency services teams.
“We had high temperatures and strong northerly winds followed by a southwesterly change in the afternoon, which turned the fires towards Glenthompson,” Mr Nugent said.
“I can say the extraordinary efforts of firefighters contained these fires before they got to some of the towns. When the winds changed, the fires ran out of the Grampians and ran towards Willura and also spotted in Halls Gap.”
Mr Nugent said mild weather would enable fire crews to conduct back burning operations which could mitigate the risk of damage.
‘Watch and Act’ emergency warnings remain in place for Barton, Jallukar, Jimmy Creek, Kia Ora, Londonderry, Mafeking, Moyston, Watgania and Willaura North.
Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage, but say about 15,000 hectares of private land has been burnt.
State Control Centre spokesman Luke Heagerty said the blaze was “somewhere around the size of Singapore” and conditions should improve by the weekend.
He extended his gratitude to the hundreds of firefighters who had sacrificed family time at Christmas to work on the fire and protect homes.
“By tomorrow, we are expecting to see very settled conditions which is great news for our firefighters,” Mr Heagerty said.
The focus on Friday was to create containment lines on the active edges of the fire, witch stretch for 338 kilometres.
Forest Management Victoria Chief Officer Chris Hardman said “significant lightning strikes” on Friday morning could have sparked new fires.
“Thankfully we have no reports at this stage of primary residents losses, but there have been many assets and stock losses,” Mr Hardman told Sky News.
“We’re not seeing fire moving as rapidly in the landscape but it doesn’t mean that risk has diminished.
“We also had really significant lightning strikes that came through after the wind change yesterday, and we could see new fires in the landscape as we speak.
“It has been incredibly dry and those lightning strikes could create new fires and communities right across Victoria should be vigilant,” Mr Hardman said.
The Mount Williams Communications Towers, which includes emergency services command channels and links to Optus and other carriers were placed on battery generators.
Mr Hardman said maintenance crews will be flying in with new generators to restore those services as quickly as possible.
He said firefighters will be inspecting hazardous roads and removing fallen trees “as quickly as humanly possible” so that displaced people could return home.
“There are many community members that have been displaced and they’ve left early which we are incredibly grateful for,” he said. “Getting those roads open will allow community members to get back in the residence as quickly as humanly possible.”
Premier Jacinta Allan said personal hardship grants had been made available for people affected by the fires, in addition to Commonwealth and Victorian government grants announced on Thursday.
“If you live in one of these areas and you’ve had to leave, or you have particular relief assistance issues, these hardship grants are available from today,” Ms Allan told ABC radio.
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