Grampians: Bushfire started by lightning strike grows to 34,000ha

Western Victoria is bracing for the return of high temperatures and strong winds in the coming days.

Scorching heat will return on Christmas Day and Boxing Day to areas in the grip of a major bushfire fight and also trying to wrap up harvest.

After a reprieve from the heat on Monday, temperatures will climb into the mid-30s on Wednesday before going even higher on Thursday in places around the Grampians, where an out-of-control bushfire is still burning.

Horsham is forecast to reach 42C and Ararat and Stawell are both expecting a top of 40C before a late cool change is predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology.

It will be even hotter in the north of the state on Boxing Day with Mildura and Ouyen both tipped to reach 43C.

A Lexton CFA crew watch a bushfire burning in the Grampians. picture: Lexton CFA / Facebook

Farmers surrounding the Grampians are keeping a close eye on the fire as they try to finish harvest in places such as Lake Bolac, Dunkeld and Glenthompson.

Farmer and CFA volunteer Angus Gilmore, who lives south of Lake Bolac, said harvest in his area was “two thirds or better” from being completed as the fire that has grown to 34,000ha occupies most attention.

“With a couple of bad days coming up people are concerned,” he said.

“We’ve had a bit of rain overnight.

“We’ve been lucky from the point of view that it’s been a pretty dry year so there is not a lot of grass around.”

The fire has been burning in a northerly direction, but could swing to the east with freshening north-westerly winds on Christmas Day and Boxing Day before the change.

Wayne Munro, a CFA group officer, and farmer at Grassdale in the Western District, said the Grampians fire, which started from a lightning strike, could burn for weeks.

“That country is rough,” he said.

“It is steep and not easy terrain to get into.

“There are weeks of work in front of us even when it’s been contained.

“Then there is the recovery phase for communities.

“I really do feel for Pomonal and Halls Gap and Dadswells Bridge.

“The memories these fires would be bringing back would be horrendous.”

Bushfires continue to burn in the Grampians . Picture : Instagram

He said the small amount of rain on Sunday night would be “more of a hindrance” as it would slow down back burning operations.

In stark contrast to the pending heat, a sheep graziers warning for cold temperatures, rain and south-westerly winds was issued early Monday for the North Central, North Central, North East, South West and Gippsland forecast districts.

Orbost, Sale, Traralgon and Warragul were among the coldest places in the state on Monday with forecast top temperatures of less than 20C.

The BoM also predicted a chance of snow at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek.