Residents of Halls Gap in Victoria’s Grampians National Park are getting a short window today to return home and collect essential items after fleeing from fast-moving bushfires. The fires, which have already consumed more than 40,000 hectares, are expected to worsen as authorities prepare for extreme fire danger across the state on Boxing Day.
With temperatures forecasted to soar into the 40s and strong northerly winds predicted, Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has urged everyone to be ready for more fires. “Boxing Day is going to be a big day for our state,” Carroll said. “We’re at the beginning of a long, hot, and dangerous bushfire season.”
The CFA is likely to announce a statewide Total Fire Ban for Boxing Day, and Chief Officer Jason Heffernan has warned that conditions are perfect for fires to ignite and spread. “The bush is very dry and ready to burn,” he said. Authorities are urging everyone to download the VicEmergency app to stay updated and have multiple ways of getting information, as power and internet may be disrupted during extreme weather.
Returning to Halls Gap
Evacuated residents can return briefly between 10 am and 12 pm today to gather personal belongings and secure their homes. Access will be controlled at the Grampians Road and Ararat Halls Gap Road junction, with police requiring proof of residence, such as a driver’s license.
A community meeting will also be held at 11 am today at Moyston Hall. For those unable to attend, the meeting will be livestreamed on the Ararat Rural City Council Facebook page and shared on VicEmergency’s page. However, areas like Bellfield, Flat Rock Crossing, and Fyans Creek remain unsafe for residents to return.
Relief centers have been set up at:
Alexandra Oval Community Centre, Ararat.
Grampians Community Health, Stawell (“The Shacc”).
Fires Across the Region
In addition to the Grampians blaze, residents of Bullengarook, west of Gisborne, are closely watching another fire near Coffeys Road. While it’s currently under control, the extreme weather on Boxing Day could make it dangerous again. Roads including Coffeys Road, Carrolls Lane, and Waterloo Flat Road remain closed.
Other fires with potential to escalate include those at Boolarra South, The Gurdies, Crewick, and along Casterton-Edenhope Road.
What’s Next?
Boxing Day is expected to test firefighting crews, with over 100 interstate personnel already deployed to assist Victoria’s teams. Temperatures are expected to hit 40°C in Melbourne, 39°C in Halls Gap, and climb as high as 43°C in Mildura.
Fire crews are working hard to contain the fires and strengthen control lines ahead of the dangerous weather. Meanwhile, businesses in the Grampians are feeling the economic toll, with an estimated $2 million in losses every day due to the crisis.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of planning and preparation. Knowing your fire risk, having an evacuation plan, and staying informed could make all the difference in these conditions. Stay safe, Victoria!
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