Australia: Emergency response continues due to bushfire in the Grampians Region, Victoria, as of Dec. 26 /update 3

Emergency crews continue to respond to a large bushfire burning in the Grampians National Park area of Victoria as of Dec. 26. 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 57,563 hectares (142,241 acres) in size as of Dec. 26. The fire remains out of control and is moving in a southeasterly and southerly direction. More than 600 firefighting personnel are on site battling the blaze. Authorities estimate it could take weeks to fully contain the fire; further fire growth is possible in the coming days.

As of Dec. 26, VicEmergency has issued the following warnings and advisories:

• Emergency Warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Bornes Hill, North Boundary Road area, and Mafeking; the safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately as it is too late to leave. Strathmore; leave immediately before conditions become too dangerous.

• Watch and Act: Bellfield, Bellfield Settlement, Flat Rock Crossing, Fyans Creek, Grampians Junction, and Halls Gap; it is not safe to return. Kia Ora, Willaura, Jallukar, Londonderry, Moyston, Rhymney, and Willaura North; leaving now is the safest option as emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay. Jimmy Creek, Karabeal, Mirranatwa, Victoria Valley, Grampians, Victoria Point, Dunkeld, Glenthompson, Narrapumelap, Wickliffe, Lake Fyans, Pomonal, and Bellfield; residents must monitor conditions and be ready to evacuate.

• Advice: Cathcart, Denicull Creek, Lake Bolac, Langi Logan, Maroona, Mininera, Norval, Rocky Point, Rossbridge, Tatyoon, Tatyoon North, Westmere, Fyans Creek, Lake Lonsdale, Ledcourt, Mokepilly, Mount Dryden, Wartook, 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 near the fires are closed, including the Glenelg Highway from Dunkeld to Wickliffe; 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).