Firefighters have been working relentlessly overnight to safeguard homes as a bushfire rages through Grampians/Gariwerd National Park in Victoria. Currently, two emergency warnings are in effect for areas including Pomonal, Moyston, Willaura, Mafeking, and Maroona.
The blaze has rapidly expanded, burning through 74,000 hectares of bushland—an area comparable to the size of Singapore—up from just 6,000 hectares a week ago. Fortunately, while there have been some destroyable structures, such as sheds and camping facilities, no homes have been lost at this time.
Luke Heagerty, from the State Control Centre, noted the dedication of over 600 firefighters who have sacrificed their Christmas plans to battle the fire and protect local communities. The focus today is on creating containment lines to manage the active edges of the fire, aided by cooler weather conditions that are expected to last for the next five days.
In support of local crews, about 100 emergency service personnel from New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland, and Tasmania have arrived to help with the firefighting efforts. They are stationed at a temporary base camp in Ararat, with an additional 220 personnel from CFA strike teams at another nearby camp.
Despite these efforts, officials warn that communities are still at risk, especially following dry lightning strikes last night. Premier Jacinta Allan has expressed her gratitude to the firefighters, acknowledging their absence from family gatherings during the holidays.
Infrastructure has also suffered due to the fire, with power outages affecting hundreds in Moyston, Willaura, and Pomonal. Compounding the difficulties, the Mount William communications tower has been destroyed, disrupting mobile services, while rural residents have experienced reduced water pressure due to high demand for firefighting efforts.
The spirit of community support remains strong, as relief centers provide a place for residents to lean on each other during this tough time. Local establishments, like the Dadswells Bridge hotel motel, have stepped in to support firefighters, supplying meals and shelter as needed.
The ongoing fire presents significant challenges, but the resilience and collective efforts of the firefighting teams and community members demonstrate a hopeful outlook in challenging times.
In summary, while the bushfire situation in the Grampians is serious, the coordinated response from firefighters and the community’s support for each other highlight a unified effort to combat this crisis. There’s a strong determination from officials and residents alike to navigate the ongoing threat, with hope for rain in the months ahead that may alleviate the conditions.
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