Hamilton Fire Brigade crews in the Grampians National Park. Photo: Hamilton FB/CFA
Over 100 firefighters from NSW, ACT, Queensland and Tasmania have joined in efforts to fight bushfires burning across Victoria.
The assistance comes with today’s fire danger rated the worst across Victoria since Black Summer in 2019-20.
A total fire ban has been declared for all of Victoria today.
The extra help includes two Incident Management Teams (IMTs) and four specialised firefighting taskforces, VicEmergency says.
State Response Controller David Nugent said the interstate help is a welcome relief for local crews.
“Victoria is thrilled to be receiving help from our interstate colleagues during our time of need,” David said.
“The fires burning in the Grampians National Park, Bullengarook and The Gurdies are still not yet under control. These extra resources will be critical for the upcoming spike days.
“Crews are continuing back-burning operations to protect nearby towns and establish fire breaks,” David said.
VicEmergency reports that bushfires across the state that are burning or occurred recently include in the Grampians National Park, The Gurdies near Grantville, Bullengarook near Gisborne, and Creswick.
Victoria’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the total fire ban was declared due to the soaring temperatures (mid-40s) across the state combined with strong winds of 70-80km/h gusting to 100km/h in elevated areas.
“There are two major concerns on Thursday – the fires already burning in the landscape, and any new fires that start as a result of the extreme fire risk,” Heffernan says.
“Thursday’s conditions will make it difficult for firefighters to supress a fire should one start.
“The fire at the Grampians National Park hasn’t been contained and is likely to spread further under the forecast conditions on 26 December” Heffernan says.
For emergency information, visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au, tune in to local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, phone the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 or follow VicEmergency on Facebook and Twitter/X.
