General News
20 January, 2025
Grampians' Boroka Lookout bushfire contained, as fire crews work overtime
FFM Victoria boss believes fire most likely caused by campers.
Update 10am, January 21: There bushfire at Boroka Track, in the Grampians National Park, has been declared as contained.
However, the community was warned it was not safe to return to the Boroka Track area.
"There is currently no threat to you, but you should stay informed and plan for what you will do if the situation changes," a Forest Fire Management Victoria spokesperson said in an announcement.
While Mount Victory Road is open, Mount Difficult Road is closed for access to Boroka Lookout.
Motorists were advised that displaced wildlife's unpredictable movements may cause hazards on local roads.
Check the VicTraffic website (www.traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for updates on road closures.
Update 7.30pm: While the bushfire is not yet under control, Forest Fire Management Victoria has downgraded the threat to neighbouring communities.
In an alert just after 7.30pm, FFMVic said the spread of the bushfire has slowed, but the situation could change at any time.
"It is not safe to return to the Boroka Track area," the message said.
"There is currently no threat to Halls Gap township."
Residents were advised aircraft could be seen or heard working throughout the night.
Update 4.30pm: Fire crews continue to water bomb an out-of-control bushfire just one kilometre north of Halls Gap.
Since 10pm on January 19, Forest Fire Management Victoria crews have worked around the clock to contain a bushfire on Boroka Track, west of Halls Gap.
Crews from Great Western, Halls Gap, Pomonal, Stawell, AFIB, Moyston, Dadswells Bridge and Glenorchy & Riachella continue to battle the blaze from the ground.
As of 12pm, the bushfire has burnt about seven hectares.
Update 12pm: FFM Vic chief fire officer Chris Hardman said authorities believe the bushfire outside Halls Gap resulted from 'irresponsible' campers.
"I'm really disappointed to see we have a fire just two kilometres north of Halls Gap," he said.
"This fire was most likely caused by campers or people who that lit a fire over the railing on the edge of the Boroka Lookout.
This community has been through enough."
Mr Hardman said the "reckless" campers had put the community at risk for no reason.
He urged anyone with information regarding the fire to contact the police immediately.
"We will do our best to contain this fire and protect the community," he said.
Earlier 8.30am: Forest Fire Management Victoria issued a 'Watch and Act: Leave Now' warning for people on the Grampians Peak Trail following the growth of a bushfire west of Halls Gap.
A blaze west of Halls Gap on the Boroka Track is moving southerly towards the Wonderland area.
"Don't wait; leaving now is the safest option - conditions may change and get worse very quickly.," the warning said.
"Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay."
People walking the Grampians Peak Trail should leave the area immediately; however, the township of Halls Gap can remain.
FFM Vic said Bellfield, Fyans Creek and Grampians Junction residents should monitor conditions.
Crews from Great Western, Halls Gap, Pomonal, Stawell, Moyston, Dadswells Bridge, Glenorchy & Riachella are battling the blaze as it moves towards Mount Victory Road.
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
VicEmergency Hotline - free call 1800 226 226
Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
Accessibility:
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To access this information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (free call) and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
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