Australia: Emergency warning issued for bushfire in the Grampians Region, Victoria, Dec. 18

Emergency crews are responding to several bushfires in the Grampians National Park area of Victoria as of Dec. 18. The fire of greatest concern broke out near Yarram Gap Road and remains out of control as of the evening Dec. 18. The fire has grown to around 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres) in size and is moving in a north-westerly direction. VicEmergency has reported that private property in the Mirrantwa area is being impacted and will continue to be impacted over the coming hours. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; further fire growth is possible in the coming hours.

VicEmergency has issued an Emergency Warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale) advising residents in Big Cord, Grampians, Mirranatwa, and Jimmy Creek to leave immediately via Valley Road toward Dunkfield. A relief center for evacuated residents has been established at Dunkfield Community Center, 14 Sterling Place, Dunkfield. Bushfire advice warnings advising residents to stay informed of the situation are in place for surrounding areas including Bornes Hill, Mafeking, Barton, Kia Ora, Moyston, Watgania, Willaura, and Willaura North. Further bushfire advice warnings are in place for two separate smaller fires in the region; one for Bornes Hill and Dunkfield due to a fire near Childs Lane at Brady Swamp and another near Grampians National Park Field Track. Authorities may issue new warnings or update/rescind existing directives as the fire situation evolves over the coming hours. 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 western 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).