Residents of the following towns were ordered to evacuate due to the fire that has been burning in the Grampians National Park in Australia for more than a week. According to the fire service, the flames consumed about 80 thousand hectares or almost a third of the park. It is already too late for people in some neighborhoods to evacuate.
The fire broke out in the Grampians National Park in Victoria about two weeks ago. So far, the fire has covered almost 80 thousand hectares of green area, which is about a third of the entire area of the park. On Thursday, about 600 firefighters with the support of special equipment fought the fire.
Strong winds and storms
The spread of the fire has threatened other towns located near the park. On Thursday, the state crisis agency issued an immediate evacuation order for more than twenty settlements with populations ranging from tens to several hundred people. The towns closest to the park were placed under shelter orders.
– The safest option is to take shelter at home immediately. Officials said it was too late to escape.
Thick smoke hangs over much of Victoria. On Thursday evening, the wind even carried it over Melbourne, the capital of the region.
Open fires are prohibited throughout the state. However, on Thursday, there were several additional “flash points” caused by lightning. But firefighters are optimistic – on Friday, the wind will calm down a bit and the day will be cooler.
Featured photo credit: VicEmergency@Facebook
