General News
16 December, 2024
Grampians bushfires near Glenorchy, Wartook downgraded as crews battle blaze
People near Victoria Range, Glenisla, Flat Rock Crossing told to leave.
Update Tuesday, December 17, 8.30am:
Residents in the Glenisla, Glenisla Crossing and Flat Rock Crossing areas south of Wartook in the Grampians are able to return to their homes after warnings were downgraded overnight.
However, the fire is not under control.
Residents are asked to monitor weather conditions and review their fire survival plan.
Update Monday, December 16, 8.30pm: The advice for residents of Victoria Range, Glenisla and Flat Rock Crossing has been downgraded.
However, the fire is not under control.
Update 7.50pm: Residents of Glenorchy can return to the township after the grassfire threat was downgraded.
Firefighters controlled the spread of the fire; however, smoke may be visible.
Update 7.41pm: Residents of Glenorchy have been told to leave by emergency services.
The grassfire is travelling in a northerly direction towards Glenorchy.
Update 7.30pm: 17 vehicles are working to bring bushfire on Stawell-Warracknabeal Road in Glenorchy.
Crews from Landsborough, Callawadda, Dadswells Bridge, Stawell, Rupanyup, Marnoo, Wallaloo East, Halls Gap, Lubeck, Joel Joel, Great Western, Green Lake, Pomonal, Navarre, Ararat, Elmhurst and Crowlands are working on the grass fire just south of Glenorchy.
Earlier 7pm: Emergency services have issued a Watch and Act message for people in the Grampians National Park as a bushfire burns about 20km south of Wartook.
At 7pm on Monday, December 16, people in Victoria Range, Glenisla and Flat Rock Crossing were told to leave now.
About 22 vehicles are working to bring the bushfire near the Goats Track under control as it travels in a north-easterly direction towards Syphon Road.
The message from VicEmergency is clear: Don't wait, leaving now is the safest option.
Members of the public can report incidents of sick, injured, or orphaned native animals anywhere in the state to Wildlife Victoria's 24/7 wildlife emergency response service at (03) 8400 7300.
VicEmergency advised community members to check multiple sources to stay informed:
www.emergency.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226
VicEmergency app
Facebook or Twitter (#vicfires)
Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
The news comes as a Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Mallee and Wimmera fire districts for Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Earlier in the day a Watch and Act warning was issued for Chetwynd, Kadnook and Powers Creek in the Wimmera's west as well as south-east of Creswick near Ballarat.