Source: VIC Emergency

Watch and Act - Bushfire - Threat is Reduced - Monitor Conditions

Issued Today at 5:59 PM.

This Watch and Act message is being issued for the eastern side of the Grampians National Park from Halls Gap to Bornes Hill, including Mafeking and Watgania.

This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act message issued on January 2, 2025, at 7.30am.

Only residents are allowed to return to their properties via Traffic Management Points, proof of address will be required.

If returning to the fire affected area, proceed with caution.

The spread of the bushfire has slowed for now, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.

Halls Gap and the Grampians National Park remains closed to visitors. For further details visit the Parks Victoria Website. No access to the park is permitted.

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the Wimmera on Saturday, 4 January 2025.
The threat is reduced, but the situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.

With hot, dry and windy conditions over the weekend, the situation can change rapidly. Stay informed and monitor the situation.
Community newsletter

Community Newsletter: Grampians National Park and Surrounds Newsletter no. 4
Tourism Newsletter - Grampians National Park and Surrounds
What you should do:

Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
Road closures are still in place. Check the VicTraffic website or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
Plan what you would do if the situation changes.
If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.
If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Protect yourself and your family.
If you see impacted wildlife - call 1300 356 882 or download the Wildlife Emergency App.
Northern Shire Cool spaces are available at Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre, St Arnaud swimming pool and Northern Grampian libraries
Ararat Rural City Council cool space, Alexandra oval community centre Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 5pm

Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe. Remember to:

Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
Leave early. Many people have died trying to leave at the last minute during fires.
Travel to the home of family or friends that are away from the warning area.

Recovery and Resilience

If you have been or may be impacted by the current bushfires in Victoria, it is understandable if you are feeling concerned and experiencing a mix of strong mental, emotional or physical reactions right now.

Over the holiday season, try to focus on what is within your control, such as staying up to date with the latest warnings and alerts at www.emergency.vic.gov.au (or the VicEmergency App on your mobile phone), and reviewing your personal emergency plan.

For emergency relief information during major incidents, call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226 or visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief.
Impacts in your area:

Residents accessing fire affected areas must remain vigilant, as tree hazards may be present.
Many roads within the fire affected area remain closed.
Be mindful of the increased traffic, firefighting vehicles, heavy equipment and aircraft are still working in the area.
Smoke from bushfires can reduce air quality and may affect your health. For more information visit the Better Health website.
Trees can be extremely dangerous during a bushfire or high winds. Do not stand, park or travel in areas of fire affected trees.
Bushfires can spread quickly and are extremely dangerous.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 04/01/2025 07:00 pm or as the situation changes.

Use multiple sources to stay informed:

www.emergency.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226
VicEmergency app
Facebook or Twitter (#VicFires)
ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.

Accessibility:

The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency. For information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.

CFA Current Bushfires