**Victoria bushfire prompts evacuation warning for Wartook**
Emergency authorities in Victoria have issued evacuation warnings for residents and visitors in the small rural locality of Wartook due to an out-of-control bushfire threatening the area. The warning, which was issued by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) on Monday evening, urges individuals in the affected zone to leave immediately as conditions have been deemed dangerous and life-threatening.
The fire is believed to have ignited earlier on Monday in the Grampians National Park, a region known for its dense bushland and high fire risk during summer months. While the exact cause of the blaze has not yet been confirmed, local officials have pointed to recent hot and windy weather as contributing factors to its rapid spread. According to the CFA, strong northerly winds have significantly intensified the fire, pushing it towards populated areas near Wartook.
Residents within the “leave now” zone have been warned that it is no longer safe to stay and defend their properties. Emergency services have described the fire’s behaviour as erratic and unpredictable, particularly given the volatile weather conditions. With temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius and wind gusts reaching over 60 kilometres per hour, the situation remains precarious. Additionally, dry vegetation following months of below-average rainfall in the region has further fuelled the fire’s growth, making firefighting efforts more challenging.
The uncontrolled bushfire has prompted the activation of additional fire management resources across Victoria. Dozens of CFA crews, supported by Fire Rescue Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), are on the ground attempting to contain the fire. Aerial firefighting units, including water-bombing helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, are also actively engaged in suppressing the flames. Despite these efforts, emergency services have acknowledged that containment has not yet been achieved.
Community members have been advised to pay close attention to updates on the VicEmergency website and app. Road closures are in place for several routes in and out of the Wartook region, with authorities stressing the importance of planning evacuation routes and avoiding areas already impacted by the fire. Relief centres have been established in nearby Horsham and Stawell for evacuees seeking shelter and assistance, with additional resources being dispatched to meet community needs.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported at this stage. However, early unconfirmed reports from local sources suggest that several properties near the southern edge of Wartook may have sustained fire damage. Authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of the destruction or detailed the number of structures impacted. A full assessment of damage will be conducted once conditions improve, but it remains unsafe for emergency services to enter some areas.
The bushfire threatening Wartook has reignited fears of massive fire disasters similar to those experienced during Australia’s Black Summer bushfire crisis in 2019-2020, which destroyed thousands of homes and burned millions of hectares across the country. While the current fire remains far smaller in scale, residents across Victoria have been reminded to remain vigilant during the peak fire season, which is expected to last until late March.
Residents further away from Wartook but within the broader Grampians region are being urged to prepare their properties by clearing out gutters, removing flammable items, and ensuring emergency survival plans are in place. Authorities have underscored the importance of heeding warnings promptly and acting early, as bushfire risks can intensify quickly without notice.
Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner, Andrew Crisp, called on the community to prioritise safety over material belongings, emphasising that the focus should be on getting people out of harm’s way. He praised the coordinated efforts of firefighting crews but acknowledged the pressures they face in the difficult terrain and weather conditions in the Wartook area.
The affected region, including the Grampians National Park, is a popular area for tourism, especially during the summer holidays. Visitors in the park were among the first to be evacuated as dense smoke and approaching fire lines made camping and hiking unsafe. Park rangers have closed several access points and urged anyone still in the vicinity to head to designated safe locations or leave immediately. Wildlife in the park, including species such as kangaroos and koalas, is also at risk, though it is too early to determine the ecological impact of the fire.
Air quality in nearby towns, including Horsham and Dadswells Bridge, has deteriorated due to smoke drifting from the bushfire. Residents are being advised to stay indoors where possible, particularly those with respiratory conditions. The Department of Health has echoed these warnings, reminding the public to keep windows and doors closed and to use air purifiers if accessible.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a potential change in weather conditions over the next 24 to 48 hours. A cool change moving across the region could bring temporary relief to firefighting efforts, with slightly lower temperatures and potential rainfall expected. However, authorities remain cautious, noting that wind direction changes during cool weather fronts can often lead to erratic fire behaviour, potentially endangering other areas.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan briefed the media late Monday, expressing her gratitude to first responders and emergency services personnel for their swift response to the crisis. She reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting affected communities and urged Victorians to work together during this challenging time. Premier Allan also highlighted the need for ongoing investment in firefighting infrastructure and disaster response systems as climate-driven extreme weather events increase in frequency.
Residents and those affected by the fire are encouraged to contact Victoria’s emergency hotline for up-to-date information and support services. Meanwhile, a full investigation into the origins of the fire is expected to commence once the immediate threat subsides. Authorities have declined to comment further on whether human activity or natural causes are suspected in sparking the blaze.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as information becomes available. Residents are advised to remain alert and monitor official announcements through trusted channels.
**References:**
Original article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-29/victoria-bushfire-evacuation-warning-for-wartook/104872936
Country Fire Authority (CFA) official updates: www.cfa.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency platform: www.emergency.vic.gov.au
Bureau of Meteorology reports: www.bom.gov.au
Victorian Department of Health alerts: www.health.vic.gov.au