**Dimboola and Grampians fires: What we know so far**
Firefighters in Victoria are battling a series of bushfires that have engulfed parts of the Dimboola region and the Grampians, prompting emergency responses and evacuations. As temperatures soar and dry, windy conditions persist, fire services are working to bring the situation under control. The fires, first reported on the 27th and 28th of January 2025, have affected large stretches of land, with authorities issuing warnings to communities in the path of the flames.
According to the Country Fire Authority (CFA) of Victoria, several significant fires are burning across the western parts of the state. A major focus of concern is the fire near Dimboola, which has reportedly consumed more than 15,000 hectares of grassland and farmland since it was sparked. Efforts to contain the blaze have been hampered by adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, high temperatures, and low humidity, which have driven the fire front further towards neighbouring areas.
In the nearby Grampians region, multiple bushfires have also erupted across the national park, raising concerns for local wildlife as well as nearby communities. Parks Victoria confirmed that parts of the Grampians National Park have been closed as a precautionary measure, while emergency services are working to protect vital infrastructure and tourism landmarks in the area. It is currently unclear how much of the park has been directly affected, though aerial footage from emergency responders shows extensive areas of smoke and fire.
The cause of the fires has not yet been officially determined, though investigators are assessing a range of possibilities. Authorities have not ruled out human activity as a potential factor, with previous fires in Victoria often linked to accidental ignitions such as machinery sparks or, in some cases, deliberate arson. The CFA has urged the public to exercise caution and follow fire safety guidelines, particularly in rural and regional areas where the risk remains high.
Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for several communities across the affected areas. Residents in Dimboola and parts of the Wimmera region have been urged to leave their properties immediately if safe to do so or to take shelter indoors as advised. Relief centres have been established in nearby towns to assist displaced individuals and families. Emergency Management Victoria has indicated that more than 500 people have so far sought assistance at these centres, though exact figures remain unclear.
Local authorities have described the firefighting effort as one of the largest mobilisations in recent years, with more than 1,000 personnel deployed to the scene. Aircraft and helicopters have also been dispatched to conduct water-bombing operations, a critical strategy in slowing the forward progression of the flames. Additional resources have been brought in from neighbouring states to assist with the growing crisis.
Among the challenges posed to firefighters is the rugged and inaccessible terrain of the Grampians, which complicates ground operations. Weather conditions are also forecast to deteriorate this week, with meteorologists warning of continued high temperatures and gusty winds. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe fire danger warning for north-western and central Victoria, indicating that conditions could worsen before they improve.
State Premier Jacinta Allan visited an incident control centre on Monday, where she commended the efforts of emergency responders and urged residents to remain vigilant. In a press statement, she highlighted the importance of community cooperation during emergencies of this nature. “I want to thank our incredible firefighters and first responders who are putting themselves at risk each day to protect lives and property. Every decision you make as a community member—whether it is to evacuate early or to look out for your neighbours—helps us to better manage this crisis and save lives,” she said.
Meanwhile, the impact on local infrastructure has started to emerge. Essential services, including electricity and telecommunications, have been disrupted in some areas due to damaged power lines. The Electricity Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) in the region are working to restore services, with emergency crews prioritising the most affected areas. Authorities have also urged residents to avoid using roads in certain locations to allow safe passage for emergency vehicles. Some roads near Dimboola and the Grampians have been closed until further notice.
The fires have also raised environmental and economic concerns. Large sections of pasture and crops have been lost, with local farmers describing the long-term implications as devastating. Preliminary estimates suggest millions of dollars in agricultural damages, though a full assessment will only be possible once the fires are contained. The Grampians National Park, a renowned destination for nature tourism, is another area of concern. Environmentalists have warned of potential damage to ecosystems and wildlife habitats, though the full extent of these impacts remains unknown at this stage.
Community groups and not-for-profits have begun organising relief efforts for those affected. Donations of food, water, and other essentials have been pouring in, with various charities setting up fundraisers to assist recovery efforts. Relief agencies have cautioned, however, that displaced residents may require long-term support, particularly if properties are destroyed or livelihoods are impacted.
While authorities continue their efforts to contain the fires, the CFA has urged the public to stay informed and monitor warnings through official channels, including the VicEmergency app and website. Regular updates are being provided including evacuation routes, emergency shelter locations, and other vital information. Residents are reminded to have an emergency plan in place and to avoid unnecessary travel to bushfire-affected areas.
This fire season, like others before it, underscores the ongoing challenges of managing natural disasters in an era of increasingly extreme weather. Although Australia is no stranger to bushfires, experts have warned that longer, hotter summers and drier conditions exacerbate the risk. The Victorian government has committed to reviewing its bushfire preparedness and response strategies once the current crisis has passed, though such reviews take time to implement and provide results.
As firefighting efforts continue, authorities are calling on the public for patience and understanding given the scale and severity of the fires. Additional support and resources will likely be allocated to ensure the safety of affected communities as well as the recovery of impacted areas. Updates on the situation are expected to be provided on a rolling basis, and this story will be updated as new information becomes available.
References:
1. Original article, The New Daily, “Dimboola and Grampians fires”, 29 January 2025.
2. Country Fire Authority updates via VicEmergency.
3. Bureau of Meteorology fire danger warnings.
4. Parks Victoria public notices on fire-related closures.
5. Statements from the Victorian Premier’s Office.