Grampians bushfire, again

It is less than 12 months since I posted on the Grampians bushfires that burnt-out the Victoria Valley & Range and swept up to Glenisla (see ‘Ongoing fires’ and ‘Fire by night’) and now in a sense of déjà vu, fire has broken out in the Grampians again. And as with the 2013 posts, I've relied on local photographer Lynton Brown for most of the images.

All photos Lynton Brown, except CFA

The fire is suspected to have started from lightning strikes on Wednesday in the Pohlners Road area between Rose Gap and Wartook in the Northern Grampians.

On Thursday the fire which had been burning in rocky, rugged slopes was spreading southward from the mountains towards homes around Wartook, Laharum and Brimpaen.

Above & below -  The fire on the 16th 

Aerial view, Firebombing helicopter on 16th, from CFA

There were about 620 firefighters, 8 bulldozers, and 88 trucks, as well as 2 firebomber aircraft and 3 support helicopters battling the fire on the 16th.

Above & below - The fire approaching Laharum on 16th

Friday was the major danger day, when strong gusty winds took the fire up the range to threaten Halls Gap, and the strong winds caused another front to spread north to Dadswells Bridge and towards St Helen’s Plains, closing the Western Highway. A southerly wind change moved across the area from about 8.00pm and caused erratic fire behaviour, and to largely halt the expansion around Halls Gap. Emergency services continued to work overnight on the fire as it threatened the towns of Dadswells Bridge and Halls Gap.

Above & below - The evacuation of Halls Gap, 12-1pm on 17th

Grampians Rd near Stawell looking towards Halls Gap, 17th

The smoke plume, from Stawell's Big Hill, 17th

At 1pm today Saturday the fire in the Northern end of the Grampians National Park is now approximately 51,800 hectares in size. It is now west of Halls Gap in the Mount Difficult Range. The fire is not yet under control and a spot fire is burning in the Silverbands Falls area (south of Halls Gap). The main threat to Halls Gap and Grampians Junction has now passed.

Fire activity in the Dadswells Bridge, St Helens Plains area north of the Western Highway has subsided as firefighters have stopped the spread of the bushfire in the Dadswells Bridge area at the Western Highway, although it is not yet under control. Current resources include 556 personnel (they are supplying around 1500 meals to firefighters per day), 81 tankers, 38 slip-on vehicles, seven dozers, four fixed-wing aircraft and six helicopters. There are also a number of graders, excavators and support vehicles on scene.

Extent of the fire, as at 5pm 17th, from CFA

The Western Highway remains closed between the intersection of the Stawell-Warracknabeal Road and Horsham, but the Henty Highway is now open. Emergency services vehicles and crews will be working in the area.

Photo composite - Stawell on 17th (Lynton Brown)

Approximately 500 people have attended relief centres at Horsham, Stawell and Ararat over the past few days. Stock losses are around 7500, with assessments still continuing, the numbers will climb. The CFA will look at whether those who have evacuated will be allowed to return to their homes. And focus will also be on clearing any tree hazards, however residents need to be aware that this remains a danger after any fire. The Grampians National Park remains closed until noon Monday January 20^th.

Looking south to the Grampians from Taylors Lake Rd, 5pm 17th

The fire's glow at 9:30pm 17th, at Taylors Lake

Not forgetting the Mallee fires the Bronzewing Fire near Tempy is out of control, and the Sunraysia Highway is closed between the Calder Highway intersection and Speed. The Albacutya Fire is still out of control and has been burning since Tuesday 14th, 85 fire-fighting units are currently battling it.

Lake Albacutya Fire

Thanks goes to Lynton for the photos, and all the miles he's had to cover.