After three weeks, the bushfire in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has been contained. The fire, which started on December 17 due to dry lightning sparking multiple fires in the park’s southern region, has been a significant event.

With a fire perimeter stretching 422 kilometers, over 76,000 hectares of national park and agricultural land have been scorched.

Residents near the fire were advised to evacuate as several Emergency Warnings were issued leading up to Christmas.

The fire destroyed four homes in Moyston and Mafeking, along with 40 outbuildings across Moyston, Willaura, Willaura North, Mafeking, Pomonal, Glenthompson, and Mirranatwa.

Initial reports suggest livestock losses include 775 sheep, one horse, one beef cattle, and 1,285 beehives. Furthermore, more than 13,538 hectares of farmland were burned, including 10,053 hectares of pasture, and 540 kilometers of fencing were damaged.

In preparation for heightened fire risks over the past weekend, firefighters conducted controlled burns to clear vegetation and strengthen fire containment lines.

During the elevated fire danger period, firefighters and aircraft patrolled the national park and surrounding areas, addressing hotspots promptly to prevent further spread of the fire.

These efforts helped to reduce fire activity, containing the blaze in anticipation of more stable conditions in the coming week. This indicates there is no active fire, and the fire’s perimeter is now under control.

Although Halls Gap and Grampians National Park remain closed to visitors, plans are underway to reopen Halls Gap during the week, with parts of the national park expected to open soon after.

Quotes from Incident Controller Peter West:

“This fire has been a major environmental and social event, profoundly impacting the people connected to the national park, including Traditional Owners, tourism operators, and visitors.

“Timing with what is usually the peak tourist season, the fire has caused significant hardship and financial losses for local businesses and communities.

“Declaring the fire contained allows us to begin the process of reopening Halls Gap and other parts of the park.

“Firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol the area, which may take several weeks. While some smoke and small flare-ups are still likely, we will be ready to address them as they arise.

“I want to express our sincere thanks to the community and the public for their incredible patience during this battle. We recognize that many had to change their plans, and the disruptions have had a major impact on daily life, including during Christmas.

“Your cooperation in adhering to our messages and following road closures has been invaluable. This has allowed our crews to focus on effectively tackling the fire while prioritizing public safety. We are grateful for your understanding and support throughout this challenging period.

“While we remain focused on fire suppression, planning is already in progress to ensure a swift and thorough recovery from this event.”