Australia: Emergency response continues due to bushfire in the Grampians Region, Victoria, as of Dec. 20 /update 1

Emergency crews continue to respond to a large bushfire burning in the Grampians National Park area of Victoria as of Dec. 20. The fire broke out near Yarram Gap Road, around 23 km (14 miles) north of Dunkfield, and has grown to around 10,100 hectares (24,958 acres) in size as of the evening Dec. 20. The fire remains out of control and is moving in a northeasterly direction towards Mt William. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; further fire growth is possible in the coming hours.

As of late Dec. 20, VicEmergency has issued an Emergency Warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale) advising residents in Mafeking and Watgania to leave immediately before conditions become too dangerous. Watch and Act and Advice warnings are in place for surrounding areas, with residents in Halls Gap and Bellfield under Watch and Act warnings also advised to leave now. Other residents under warnings are being advised to prepare to leave and to monitor the situation closely. A relief center for evacuated residents has been established at Alexandra Oval Community Centre, 1 Waratah Avenue, Ararat. Authorities may issue new warnings or update/rescind existing directives as the fire situation evolves over the coming hours and days. Several roads in the vicinity of the fires are closed; the latest information regarding evacuations and road closures can be found here.

The status of roads can change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the fire complex and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and response operations needs. Traffic disruptions are also likely during reentry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.

Smoke and ashfall from bushfires may cause poor air quality in the impacted parts of Victoria. Power outages and utilities that rely on electricity could experience outages within and near the wildfire complex.

Smoke from fires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt the eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).