Christmas Warning as Fires Blaze Across Victoria
Residents are urged to evacuate as bushfires rage in Victoria, with dangerous conditions expected over the Christmas period
Halls Gap, Victoria, Bushfires, Evacuation, Grampians National Park
Halls Gap: It’s been a tough time for folks in Halls Gap. They’ve had to pack up and leave their homes as bushfires are tearing through the area. The fires are really intense, and with Christmas coming up, things are looking pretty grim.
The fire started in Grampians National Park and has grown to over 34,000 hectares. That’s a massive area! Firefighters are working hard, but with the hot weather and strong winds, it’s a real challenge to keep it under control.
People in nearby areas like Bellfield and Flat Rock Crossing have also been told to get out. Emergency services are warning that they might not be able to help if people choose to stay behind.
As of Saturday, the park is closed to visitors, and relief centers have opened in Stawell and Ararat for those who need a place to go. The terrain is tough, making it hard for firefighters to do their job, and the dry conditions are making things worse.
With not much rain in the forecast, the fire could keep burning for weeks. The situation is expected to get even hotter, with temperatures hitting 30C in Melbourne on Christmas Day and even higher in regional areas.
Fire officials are doing everything they can to strengthen containment lines, but they know it’s going to be a long fight. They’re preparing for a tough few weeks ahead as the fires continue to rage.