Temperatures across Victoria will soar again today, creating difficult conditions for fire crews battling an out-of-control blaze in the Grampians National Park.
The fire, burning near Mirranatwa on Yarram Gap Road, continues to grow and has burned 500 hectares since it started on Wednesday.
Residents in Bornes Hill, Mirranatwa, the Grampians, Jimmy Creek, and Victoria Valley have been told to prepare to leave as a "watch and act" warning remains in place.
Visit the VicEmergency website for the latest emergency advice and warnings
The bushfire is currently burning in a north-easterly direction in the Serra Range and in a southerly direction towards Victoria Valley and Bornes Hill.
VicEmergency recommends that impacted residents monitor the situation, including factors such as wind speed, wind direction, and poor visibility.
Residents wanting to leave have been advised to use Victoria Valley Road and head towards Dunkeld. Several roads are closed including:
- Grampians Road, is closed from Silverband Road to the southern Victoria Valley Road intersection.
- Victoria Valley Road is closed at the Victoria Point Intersection.
- Yarram Gap Road is closed from Grampians Road to Moyston-Dunkeld Road.
READ MORE: Man arrested after allegedly driving 130km/h on wrong side of road in 60km zone
https://x.com/vicemergency/status/1869669430579667167If you're travelling near the area, drivers are advised to make a safe U-turn and head to safety.
A relief centre has been set up at 14 Sterling Place in Dunkeld, although it is currently unstaffed.
The southern part of the Grampians National Park has since been closed to members of the public.
Authorities have also issued a watch and act message for a bushfire in The Gurdies in southern Gippsland, east of Melbourne.
"The bushfire is travelling in a northerly direction from the Sand Supplies in The Gurdies towards Woodland Close off St Helier Road," the warning said.
https://x.com/vicemergency/status/1869674035799625745"Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time."
"The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act."
The fire has been burning since 3.28pm yesterday.
READ MORE: Cops accused of 'victim-blaming' over baby, dad deaths
Tough conditions
Temperatures in Melbourne are expected to reach 34 degrees today, but it will be much hotter in the Mallee, with daytime maximums around 40 degrees.
Extreme fire danger is forecast for the Mallee and Wimmera due to the combination of very hot, dry conditions and moderate to fresh north-to-northwesterly winds.
A total fire ban is in place for these fire districts.
The South West, where the Grampians fire is burning, has been warned of high fire danger.
The National Council for Fire and Emergency Services warned in September of the dangers this fire season may pose.
Southwestern Victoria, including the Wimmera region, Grampians National Park, and Mallee country, are particularly at risk.
"The current level of landscape dryness in these areas is strong enough that without significant rainfall over the spring period, the flammability of fuels in forests and woodlands will remain high," the report said.
The report warned that the bushfire season is highly likely to begin early in those areas.
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
from 9News https://ift.tt/u3wTqAV
via IFTTT
Comments
Post a Comment