Fight to get Grampians bushfire under control ahead of weekend heatwave

Cool weather over the past few days gave firefighters a welcome reprieve, but a weekend heatwave threatens to put pressure on the out-of-control bushfire.

Firefighters working in the Moyston area near the Grampians. Picture: David Crosling

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Hundreds of firefighters are desperately battling the out-of-control Grampians bushfire that has burned for almost three weeks, with the weekend bringing a heatwave that threatens to intensify the blaze.

A total fire ban has been declared for the Wimmera and South West fire districts in Victoria’s west for Saturday, when temperatures in the region are expected to reach 36C.

Cool temperatures earlier in the week gave firefighters a welcome reprieve, but the incoming heatwave over the weekend could make conditions worse.

“The warmer conditions could potentially put some pressure on some of the edges there and the crews are working really hard on those at the moment to make sure we’ve got good lines established around that fire,” Country Fire Authority deputy chief officer Garry Cook said.

“It’s very dry, particularly on the western side of the state, but really drying out everywhere now. So with those warm conditions comes a heightened level of risk of fire.”

The fire started on December 16 from a lightning strike and burned more than 76,000 hectares, destroyed at least four homes and 41 outbuildings, and killed hundreds of livestock. The fire has a perimeter of nearly 400km, with crews, aircraft and heavy machinery working to consolidate containment lines and patrol the fire edge.

The fire continued over the Christmas period, with Boxing Day presenting the CFA with the worst fire conditions in Victoria since the 2019-20 black summer.

“Many hundreds of other CFA members gave up their Christmas and Boxing Day commitments with family and friends to support the work in incident control centres at state level and in their local areas,” CFA chief executive Jason Heffernan said.

“This is in addition to the many partner agencies across the sector who are contributing crucial resources.

“We are grateful for the additional support from our interstate colleagues in NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT, which provided some welcome respite for our crews.”

A fire in the Grampians caused by a lightning strike on December 16 has burnt through more than 76,000ha. Picture: CFA/Ross Walker

Fire warnings in the area have been downgraded while the threat is reduced, with many residents returning home and being told to stay informed.

Residents on the eastern side of the Grampians from Halls Gap to Bornes Hill were allowed to return to their properties given they provide proof of address.

“The spread of the bushfire has slowed for now, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act,” the CFA warned.

Road closures are still in place in the region, with residents warned about dangerous trees that crews are assessing and treating.

A red gum in burning in the Grampians. Picture: Pat Millear

A “not safe to return warning” remains in place for the area between Long Gully Road and College Road as dangerous trees damaged by the fire have not yet been assessed.

Mr Cook said the fires would continue to burn until there was “decent rainfall”, with the CFA concerned about a dry fuel load throughout the summer period.

“It’s with us now until something changes in the weather, if we get some moisture that’ll be very welcome,” he said.

“But if not, then, you know, we’ve got to take all caution as we continue to move through summer.”

Disaster recovery payments were announced last week to support communities affected by the bushfires. The program will provide a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child, up to a maximum of $2380 per eligible family.

“This assistance will provide support to Victorians who have had to evacuate or whose homes have been damaged by bushfire,” federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said.

“The Australian government is working with the Victorian government to ensure that people who need help can get it quickly.”

Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan visited the fire area on Sunday where they thanked volunteers and workers and spoke in support of the payments.

“At the worst of times Australians show the best of their character, and we’ve seen that on full display here this morning,” the Prime Minister said.

“What we see consistently is that Australians help each other out when times get difficult.”

Mr Cook thanked the community for their responsiveness in listening to messages issued by the CFA, which had meant there were no serious injuries or fatalities from the bushfire.

“Those messages are messages of safety and they’re messages that endeavour to ensure that we get everybody through this summer safely. And so far, so good,” he said.

Mr Cook encouraged people to continue taking advice by taking steps to clean up properties suck as cleaning out gutters, moving flammable materials away from homes, and removing firewood.

People can also seek out information through the VicEmergency app to ensure they are up to date with the risks in their immediate vicinity throughout the bushfire season.