'Prepare to leave': Warning conditions can change as Grampians bushfire grows

An emergency warning has been downgraded in Victoria's south-west as a bushfire continues to burn out-of-control in the Grampians National Park.

Residents in Mirranatwa, the Grampians, Jimmy Creek and Victoria Valley have been told to prepare to leave as a watch and act warning remains in place.

The bushfire continues to burn north and south of Mirranatwa, and has now grown to over 5400 hectares in size.

Visit the VicEmergency website for the latest emergency advice and warnings

VicEmergency has warned that private property in the Mirrantwa area has been impacted and will remain under threat.

"Prepare to Leave immediately. Leave as soon as you are ready, as roads will become busy as people leave," the warning said.

"Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe."

VicEmergency recommends that impacted residents monitor the situation, including factors such as wind speed, wind direction, and poor visibility.

Community members in Mirrantwa have been advised they may see the glow from the fire and embers in the sky.

Residents wanting to leave have been advised to use Victoria Valley Road and head towards Dunkeld.

Several roads are closed including:

• Grampians Road, is closed from Silverband Road to the southern Victoria Valley Road intersection.
• Victoria Valley Road is closed at the Victoria Point Intersection.
• Yarram Gap Road is closed from Grampians Road to Moyston-Dunkeld Road.

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If you are travelling near the area, drivers have been told to make a safe U-turn and travel to safety.

A relief centre is being established at 14 Sterling Place in Dunkeld.

Heavy smoke continues to blanket the area, with a large plume visible from space.

The smoke plume created by the fire, which started yesterday afternoon, continues to grow.

The Grampians National Park is located about 258km from Melbourne.

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Earlier this week, fire crews battled an out-of-control blaze in central Victoria, after parts of the state experienced the hottest day of the year.

The National Council for Fire and Emergency Services warned in September of the dangers this fire season may pose.

Southwestern Victoria, including the Wimmera region, Grampians National Park, and Mallee country, are particularly at risk.

"The current level of landscape dryness in these areas is strong enough that without significant rainfall over the spring period, the flammability of fuels in forests and woodlands will remain high," the report said.

The report warned that the bushfire season is highly likely to begin early in those areas.

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