Bushfire in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park contained

The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park bushfire began three weeks ago (17 December 2024) when dry lightning started multiple fires in the southern part of the park.

Incident Controller Peter West thanked communities for their support and cooperation as crews fought the fire, which burned more than 76,000 hectares of national park and agricultural land and had a fire footprint circumference of 422 kilometres.

'I want to thank the community and the public for their remarkable patience during our battle with this fire. We understand that many plans had to be altered and that the resulting inconvenience has had a significant impact on daily life and significant events such as Christmas.'

'Your cooperation in following our messaging and adhering to road closures has been invaluable. It has allowed our crews to focus their efforts on fighting the fire effectively while prioritising community safety.'

Mr West said communities can be reassured that firefighters will remain in the area to monitor the fire.

'Firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol the fire; this could still take a number of weeks. It is likely we will still see smoke and small flare-ups in the area, but we will continue to be present to deal with these when and as they arise.'

Counting the cost

Communities near the fire were urged to leave when several emergency warnings were issued in the lead up to the Christmas period.

The fire claimed four residential properties in Moyston and Mafeking as well as 40 outbuildings in Moyston, Willaura, Willaura North, Mafeking, Pomonal, Glenthompson and Mirranatwa.

Preliminary data indicates livestock losses include 775 sheep, one horse, one beef cattle and 1,285 beehives. Additionally, more than 13,538 ha of farmland, including 10,053 ha of pasture was burnt, and 540 km of fencing was damaged.

'This fire represents a significant environmental and social incident and one that deeply affects people connected to the national park, including Traditional Owners, tourism operators and visitors.'

'Coinciding with what is typically the busiest season for tourism in the area, the fire has resulted in considerable hardships and financial losses for local businesses and communities.'

Containing the blaze

Leading up to the weekend’s elevated fire danger, firefighters conducted burning out operations to reduce vegetation and strengthen containment lines.

Firefighters and aircraft were actively patrolling the areas in and around the national park throughout the elevated fire danger period, addressing hotspots early and preventing any further spread of the existing fire.

This work helped to reduce fire activity and contain the fire ahead of more settled conditions over the next week. This means there is no active or running fire, and the perimeter is within control lines.

While Halls Gap and the Grampians National Park remain closed to visitors, fire agencies are planning to reopen Halls Gap to visitors during the week. Planning is also underway to open parts of the Grampians National Park later in the week.

'Whilst we continue to focus on the suppression of the fire, planning is well underway to ensure a prompt and thorough recovery from this event.'

'Declaring the fire contained allows us to begin the process of reopening Halls Gap and areas of the national park,' Mr West said.

More information

For emergency warnings and information, visit the VicEmergency app or website and listen to your local emergency broadcaster.