Information about the fire
The Grampians National Park fire is now over 76,000 ha with a perimeter of over 400km.
Crews, aircraft and heavy machinery continue to focus on containing any remaining active fire and hotspots.
Controlled burning out operations have been undertaken over the past few days to help strengthen our containment lines.
The Grampians National Park remains closed to the public with limited access to residents into Halls Gap.
This is due to the ongoing fire threat as well as hazardous trees that are within the National Park. Fines may apply if you are found crossing through traffic management point road closed signs.
Upcoming weather and reopening plan
We are expecting challenging conditions over the coming weekend with very hot, dry and windy weather forecast on both Saturday and Sunday, combined with warm temperatures overnight on Saturday night. Conditions are forecast to ease Sunday evening into Monday.
If the fire remains within current containment lines and no significant fire activity is experienced over the weekend, fire agencies are looking to re-open Halls Gap to businesses and visitors during next week.
The reopening of non-fire affected sections of the Grampians National Park will be assessed at the same time.
These decisions will be made in consultation with local municipalities, business/tourism groups and Parks Victoria.
Extreme heat alert
The next few days and nights will be extremely hot. During extreme heat it is easy to become dehydrated or for your body to overheat.
Heat can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, trigger sudden events like heart attack or stroke, or worsen existing medical conditions like kidney or lung disease.
Extreme heat can affect anybody.
Those more at-risk include people over the age of 65, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems and people who are socially isolated.
Please take steps to stay safe:
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
- Keep cool indoors - consider seeking an air-conditioned space
- Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day
- Check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours
- If you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately.
Visit the Better Health website for more information.
Key concerns
Firefighting crews and large machinery will be operating across the fireground and will be on local roads.
Aircraft continue to operate in the area to assist ground crews when and where possible.
Protect your health – smoke exposure
Exposure to bushfire smoke may affect your health.
If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, contact Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 (this is a phone service that allows you to discuss any health-related issue with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria).
If your situation is life-threatening, please call Triple Zero (000).
Road closures
Information on current road closures is available via 13 11 70 or the VicTraffic website https://traffic.transport.vic.gov.au/
Wildlife
If you come across injured wildlife, contact the Wildlife Coordinator on 1300 356 882. There are wildlife welfare crews conducting assessments with vets to care for injured wildlife and food drops are being conducted throughout the Grampians National Park.
Residents returning to their homes
Residents returning to their homes must remain vigilant for damaged trees. Many areas within the fire affected zone have not been assessed for hazardous trees and access remains restricted.
Residents should also be aware of other hazards such as ash or fire retardant in water collection systems. Disconnect your downpipes and hose off your roof catchment areas to prevent contaminants entering your tanks. Contact the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for more information on 1300 372 842 or epa.vic.gov.au.
Impact assessments
Impact assessment teams will start assessing properties affected by bushfires from Friday, 3 January 2025. Over 600 properties will be visited to assess damage from the fires and suppression efforts, including burnt and damaged fences and control lines constructed.
Teams will seek permission before entering properties. If no one is home, they will attempt to contact owners to arrange a visit. Any necessary remedial actions will be discussed with landowners.
The assessments may take several weeks, covering over 10,000 hectares of private property. For queries about impacts on your property, contact emergency.recovery@deeca.vic.gov.au.
Agriculture Victoria – impacted farmers and animal welfare
Agriculture Victoria’s immediate focus is on any urgent animal welfare needs. Landholders impacted by the fires are asked to report any urgent animal welfare needs by phoning the VicEmergency hotline, 1800 226 226.
For technical information about fire recovery including advice about water quality, feed management, animal health and nutrition, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Farmers can also fill out an impact assessment form to self-report agricultural impacts.
Disaster Recovery Allowance and Emergency Relief Payments
Federal Disaster Recovery Allowance information is available from Services Australia. If you were seriously affected by the bushfires in Western Victoria which started on 17 December 2024, you could be eligible for this payment.
www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/bushfires-western-victoria-december-2024
Emergency relief payments are also available for eligible community members whose homes were in an evacuation area, and they evacuated, or whose homes can’t be lived in as they have been damaged by the bushfires in the Grampians National Park. Call the VicEmergency Hotline to apply for an Emergency Relief Payment on 1800 226 226 (press 9 for an interpreter). Or you can contact your local council www.vic.gov.au/know-your-council.
For up-to-date information on relief and recovery, visit the VicEmergency website. https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/
Reconnecting power after fires
Powerlines have been affected by the fire and Powercor are working to restore these services as soon as possible. All residential properties have had power restored.
Fires may have damaged electricity assets and supply points at properties. If you are returning to your property and have found damage or have been disconnected, you should engage a registered electrical contractor to safely restore power.
If you have rooftop solar panels, contact your installer or a licensed electrician to check the condition of these panels before turning the system on.
For a list of registered electrical contractors, visit the Energy Safe Victoria website.
More information about electrical safety after a fire: www.powercor.com.au/power-outages-and-emergencies/emergency/fire-safety/
Mental health
It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions following a distressing event. There is always help available from your doctor. If you need urgent mental health support contact Grampians Health on 1300 247 647.
Support for farmers and small business owners include:
- The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) offers wellbeing support to help with mental stresses resulting from financial issues. Visit the RFCS Victoria West website or call 1300 735 578.
- The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) is supporting primary producers through the delivery of initiatives to boost farmer mental health and wellbeing. Visit the NCFH website or call (03) 5551 8533 for a range of mental health resources and information tailored for Victorian farmers and agricultural communities.
Statewide services available:
- Lifeline - 131 114
- Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
- MensLine - 1300 789 978
- Kid’s Help Line - 1800 55 1800
- Parent Line - 13 22 89
Family Violence
There is an increased risk of family violence after an emergency. Help is available. Visit www.vic.gov.au/familyviolence or call 1800 737 732 (1800RESPECT).
Useful information
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing emergency relief information Personal Hardship Assistance Program - DFFH Services
Stay informed
Warnings remain in place for the area, these may change over coming days due to weather and firefighting efforts. Please stay informed via:
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
- VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
- VicEmergency app.
- Facebook or X (formally known as Twitter) - #VicFires
- Local radio ABC 774AM
To access this information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
