At least three homes and almost a dozen outbuildings have been destroyed by a bushfire in Victoria as firefighters take advantage of calmer conditions to try to contain the blaze.
Large bushfires continue to burn out of control in Victoria, although cooler and more stable conditions in the Grampians have allowed emergency crews to begin initial impact assessments.
Despite the colder conditions, a Watch and Act message was issued on Saturday night for the area on the eastern side of the Grampians National Park from Moyston to Bornes Hill, including Mafeking, Watgania and Maroona.
A Watch and Act alert also remains in place for Halls Gap and Pomonal, while residents from Long Gully Road to College Road, east of Mt William, have been told it is not yet safe to return following an evacuation order former.
The fire has a perimeter of more than 380 kilometers and has burned more than 75,000 hectares, and is expected to continue burning into the new year due to dry conditions and difficult, mountainous terrain.
Next week, Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent would bring more favorable conditions for fire crews.
“The weather over the next week looks relatively stable,” he said in a statement Saturday afternoon.
“This will give us time to stabilize the fires and continue suppression operations, and we will look to further support the community.”
At least three houses and almost a dozen outbuildings have been destroyed by a large bushfire in the Grampians since Saturday.
Firefighters have been trying to take advantage of the calmer conditions as they work to contain the fire over the Christmas period.
Victoria’s Grampians National Park has been closed during the inferno
Three homes have so far been confirmed lost in Moyston, a rural farming community on the edge of the Grampians National Park.
WATCH AND ACTION – BUSH FIRE – Threat reduced – Monitoring conditions have been issued for the eastern side of the Grampians National Park from Moyston to Bornes Hill, including Mafeking, Watgania and Maroona
A further 11 outbuildings were also destroyed by the fire in Moyston and Pomonal, which was devastated by fire in early 2024.
State Control Center spokesman Luke Hegarty said there was still much work to be done to confirm damage from the fire.
“These figures will continue to evolve over the coming days,” Mr Hegarty said.
There have been significant losses of livestock, especially sheep.
There are three watch and action alerts in and around western Victoria’s Grampians National Park, and the area from Long Gully Road to College Road remains unsafe.
Halls Gap residents can return home, but will have to show proof of address and have been urged to closely monitor conditions.
‘Watch for changes in conditions, such as increased winds, changes in wind direction, or increased smoke in the area. “They should be triggers for you to consider implementing your fire plan,” Mr Hegarty said.
Despite the fire burning more than 75,000 hectares, Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said next week would bring more favorable conditions for fire crews.
Three homes have so far been confirmed lost in Moyston, a rural farming community on the edge of the Grampians National Park.
A further 11 outbuildings were also destroyed by the fire in Moyston and Pomonal, which was devastated by fire in early 2024.
Conditions in western Victoria are expected to remain stable and mild until Sunday, before westerly winds give way to warmer northerly winds on Monday.
Hardship payments are available to people with homes in evacuation areas or who have suffered property damage through Disaster Recovery Financing Agreements, funded by the state and federal government.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said the assistance included a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child up to a maximum of $2,380 per eligible family to help cover essential items such as food, clothing, medication and shelter.
“We will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government as the recovery needs become clear,” Senator McAllister said.
Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said emergency relief funding would help families meet basic needs so they could focus on recovery.
As Victorian fire crews enjoy the cool change, a complete fire ban has been issued for the northern slopes region of New South Wales, as dry conditions, gusty winds and temperatures as high as 30 degrees descend on Tamworth , Inverell and the Liverpool Plains.
“We continue to experience heatwave conditions and warnings are in place for northeastern New South Wales and much of Queensland,” Met Office meteorologist Sarah Scully said.
Several fires are burning or have been contained recently in New South Wales, but only one fire, a grass fire near Tamworth, has progressed beyond the recommended warning level.
Showers and storms that develop during the afternoon and evening could be severe, Scully said.