As bushfires continue to ravage Victoria’s west, residents near the Grampians have been given a two-hour window on Christmas Eve to retrieve essential belongings. This temporary reprieve, dubbed “Operation Yuletide,” allows access between 10am and noon at the Grampians Road and Ararat-Halls Gap road junction. Proof of residence is required for entry.
Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan emphasized the aim to bring some festive relief to affected locals, enabling them to gather Christmas essentials under emergency services escort.
Recent cooler conditions have aided firefighting efforts, offering some containment of the southern Grampians fire. However, bushfire risks remain high across the state, with temperatures expected to soar to 40°C on Boxing Day, accompanied by strong, dry winds.
Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent warned of challenging weather conditions later in the week, heightening the potential for fires to spread rapidly.
Other regions, including Bullengarook and the Gurdies, face varying fire threats, while South Australian and Western Australian areas also grapple with intense fire conditions.
Fire personnel from across Australia are converging on Victoria to bolster firefighting efforts as authorities urge caution and potential travel adjustments amid extreme fire danger ratings.
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