Australia: Emergency response continues due to bushfire in the Grampians Region, Victoria, as of Dec. 24 /update 2

Emergency crews continue to respond to a large bushfire burning in the Grampians National Park area of Victoria as of Dec. 24. The fire broke out near Yarram Gap Road, around 23 km (14 miles) north of Dunkfield, due to a lightning strike and has grown to around 44,094 hectares (108,959 acres) in size as of Dec. 24. The fire remains out of control and is moving in a northerly direction. More than 600 firefighting personnel are on site battling the blaze. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire but have stated that it could take weeks to fully contain the fire; further fire growth is possible in the coming days.

As of Dec. 24, VicEmergency has issued the following warnings and advisories:

• Watch and Act and Advice (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Bellfield, Bellfield Settlement, Flat Rock Crossing, Fyans Creek, Grampians Junction, and Halls Gap; it is not safe to return. Bellellen, Black Range, Great Western, Jallukar, Lake Fyans, Londonderry, Moyston, Pomonal, Rhymney, and Willaura North; residents must monitor conditions and be ready to evacuate.

• Advice: Bornes Hill, Dunkeld, Fyans Creek, Glenthompson, Grampians, Jimmy Creek, Karabeal, Kia Ora, Lake Lonsdale, Ledcourt, Mirranatwa, Mokepilly, Mount Dryden, Strathmore, Victoria Point, Victoria Valley, Wartook, Willaura, and Zumsteins; there is currently no threat, but residents should stay informed and plan for if the situation changes.

Officials have established a relief center for evacuated residents 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).