A gentle weekend weather brought temporary relief to firefighters battling an out-of-control bushfire in Victoria’s Grampians national park, but forecast rain was not expected to extinguish the flames.
Temporary Relief from Bushfire Flames in Victoria’s Grampians National Park
Milder conditions across the weekend brought temporary relief to firefighters battling an out-of-control bushfire in Victoria‘s Grampians national park. However, forecast rain was not expected to extinguish the fires and hot weather was predicted to ramp up again from Monday.
The blaze, which had grown by Saturday afternoon to at least 75,000 hectares, destroyed three homes and nearly a dozen outbuildings in Moyston and Pomonal. The fire also devastated the area earlier in 2024, leaving many residents displaced.
According to Sarah Scully, a senior meteorologist from the Bureau of Meteorology, the front would ensure temperatures remained “relatively mild” on Saturday, with some showers and temperatures ranging from 23C to 28C. However, temperatures were due to start increasing again on Monday but forecasters did not expect the fire danger ratings to reach extreme.
Hardship payments were made available for those affected by the fires, including a one-off payment of $680 per adult and $340 per child up to a maximum of $2,380 for each eligible family. The federal emergency management minister, Jenny McAllister, announced the assistance as part of the state and federal-funded disaster recovery funding arrangements.
Meanwhile, Melbourne was forecast to reach tops of 24C and 25C on Saturday and Sunday before jumping to a maximum of 29C on Monday. In New South Wales, fire warnings were in place for Northern Slopes, with a total fire ban in place. Sydney had a milder forecast, tipped for a top of 26C with potential showers.
The situation remained dire, with 58 bush and grass fires across NSW, including 17 not yet contained, according to the Rural Fire Service. Fire weather warnings were also in place for the central west coast of Western Australia, with hot, dry and windy conditions forecast.
