**Victoria bushfires: Hot weather drives blazes in Grampians National Park**
Firefighters in Victoria are battling multiple bushfires across the state as extreme temperatures and strong winds intensify the fire risk. The Grampians National Park, located in western Victoria, has been one of the hardest-hit areas, with emergency services working tirelessly to control blazes that have already scorched significant tracts of land.
The Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) confirmed that several active fires are burning within and around the Grampians National Park. Authorities issued warnings urging residents in surrounding areas to stay vigilant and monitor emergency alerts. There have been evacuation orders in place for several communities in close proximity to the park due to rapidly changing weather conditions making firefighting efforts unstable and unpredictable.
Reports indicate that the fires ignited amid dry conditions coupled with a recent spate of heatwaves. On Sunday, temperatures across Victoria soared, with parts of the state exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Strong northerly winds exacerbated the situation, driving flames toward highly vegetated areas and complicating containment efforts. Some areas have recorded wind gusts nearing 70 km/h, which fire authorities say have contributed to erratic fire behaviour.
No fatalities or injuries have been reported at this stage; however, several properties and outbuildings have been damaged. It has not yet been confirmed how many homes have been destroyed. Emergency management teams are focused on protecting lives, homes, and critical infrastructure while limiting the spread of the fires where possible. Local authorities have not released a full assessment of the damage as firefighting efforts are still underway.
The extreme weather has prompted warnings across large parts of the state, including total fire bans issued for many regions. Emergency Victoria released a statement urging residents to be prepared to enact their bushfire survival plans. Those in the vicinity of the Grampians National Park have been advised to leave early if possible or to seek refuge in designated safer locations.
Victoria’s acting Emergency Management Commissioner said during a press briefing on Sunday that the ongoing bushfires represent some of the most challenging conditions seen this summer. He noted that the combination of prolonged dryness, significant fuel loads in forested areas, and the forecasted continuation of high temperatures creates a dangerous situation.
Local authorities have also expressed concern over the risk of ember attacks, where burning material from the main firefront is carried by wind onto neighbouring properties and vegetation, potentially sparking new blazes. Residents in and around affected areas have been urged to remain alert and report new fire outbreaks to authorities immediately.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has deployed additional resources to support firefighting efforts in the Grampians. Specialist personnel, including aerial firefighting teams, are being utilised to combat the fires, with several water-bombing aircraft and helicopters conducting operations throughout the day. Ground crews are working in tandem to build containment lines and protect at-risk settlements.
The fire danger is being further compounded by limited rainfall forecasted in the coming days, making the likelihood of natural suppression difficult. Meteorologists have predicted a continuation of hot, dry weather across much of Victoria for the first part of the week. Cooler temperatures and potential rainfall are expected mid-week, which could bring some relief to firefighting efforts, although such predictions remain uncertain.
The Grampians National Park, also known as Gariwerd to its traditional owners, is a region noted for its diverse flora and fauna, rugged mountain ranges, and extensive hiking routes. Significant environmental damage has already been reported, with sections of the park’s unique ecosystems heavily impacted by the fire. However, a full environmental assessment will only be conducted once the fire situation is under control and authorities have safe access to affected areas. The extent of harm to wildlife remains unclear at this time.
Residents in Victoria have been reminded to follow official alerts and not to rely on unverified information shared via social media. The CFA, Emergency Management Victoria, and VicEmergency apps remain the most reliable sources of updates regarding fire location, movements, and evacuation warnings.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed solidarity with those affected by the fires, commending the efforts of emergency responders and pledging federal support to aid firefighting operations if required. Premier Jacinta Allan also addressed the community, thanking volunteers and emergency workers for their tireless service under challenging conditions.
This marks another devastating chapter in Australia’s ongoing battles with bushfires, with recent years having seen an uptick in the severity and frequency of fires linked to rising temperatures and dry periods. The Grampians have experienced destructive bushfires in the past, including major events in 2006 and 2014. During those incidents, tens of thousands of hectares were burned, and recovery efforts for affected communities spanned months.
Relief centres have been set up in various locations near the fire-affected regions, providing shelter and assistance to those forced to leave their homes. Charities and community organisations are also mobilising to offer support, and donation appeals have been launched to help families who may face significant losses.
While investigators have not yet determined the specific causes of the current fires in the Grampians, Victoria Police and fire authorities have confirmed that inquiries are ongoing. The CFA has emphasised the importance of community vigilance in reporting any signs of suspicious activity that could lead to ignitions.
Emergency services continue to ask residents to exercise caution, heed warnings, and prioritise their safety in what remains a volatile and unpredictable fire situation. The coming days will prove critical in determining whether efforts to contain the fires are successful or if further resources will be required to bring the situation under control.
References:
Original article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-02/victoria-bushfires-hot-weather-sunday-grampians-national-park/104884964
Supporting information from:
– Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) official website
– Emergency Victoria (VicEmergency) official updates
– Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued forecasts and warnings