Residents across multiple towns in western Victoria are being urged to evacuate immediately as fierce winds exacerbate an uncontrolled bushfire in the Grampians and Little Desert National Park. Communities including Brimpaen, Cherrypool, and Glenisla have been directed to head towards Horsham, where a relief centre is available.
The fire is moving rapidly towards Red Rock Road, with significant ash fall reported in Halls Gap. Despite a cool weather change lowering temperatures, it has intensified the fire’s behaviour due to shifting winds. Affected residents are advised to stay informed about the dynamic situation, with ongoing “watch and act” alerts for areas such as Cavendish and Goroke.
Deputy incident controller Ben Matthews indicated that conditions remain precarious and may evolve. Residents from Lillimur and surrounding areas are particularly advised to leave via the Kaniva-Edenhope Road.
The bushfire has extended over 83,000 hectares, with recent reports indicating that three firefighters narrowly escaped their vehicle as it was engulfed by flames. As the region braces for another potentially hot day, thunderstorms are forecast, which have already contributed to the destruction of many homes and infrastructure across the state. Emergency services are responding to numerous calls for assistance following severe storm damage in Geelong and surrounding areas.