Pam Turner, operator of the Wildwood Wildlife Shelter, defied her fears to remain on Boxing Day and protect 20 joeys housed in her Victoria Valley home as the Grampians bushfire threatened. Turner sheltered with the rescued kangaroos as sprinklers battled the flames. The fire, which has scorched over 75,000 hectares, continues to burn, prompting concerns about wildlife losses.
Wildwood Wildlife Shelter operator Pam Turner wasn’t going anywhere on Boxing Day despite her fears the Grampians bushfire could head her way – she had a lounge room with 20 joeys in it to look after.
The forecast 70-kilometre northeasterly winds that threatened to blow the fire towards Wildwood failed to eventuate, and rainfall on Saturday brought some relief to the shelter.Three homes in the town of Moyston and 11 outbuildings in the surrounding area have been reported as destroyed by the Grampians blaze so far, and animal rescuers are waiting for permission to enter the Grampians National Park to assess wildlife losses.
An officer from the Environment Department was deployed to assess wildlife losses outside the fire zone this week and was expected to determine whether a triage centre was required to treat injured animals in coming days. McKenzie Creek resident Brendan Stemp was on alert for changes to weather conditions that could blow embers towards his cattery and neighbouring farmland.
Stemp said the other concern was wildlife being pushed out into grazing land and having to compete with sheep and cattle for food.Three homes and 11 outbuildings have been lost in the Grampians fire so far.Cooler conditions in the Wimmera at the weekend are forecast to be replaced by warmer weather next week. The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted temperatures in the low 30s on Monday and up to 35 degrees on Tuesday.
Bushfire Grampians Wildlife Rescue Australia
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Leave now warnings issued for bushfires at Hotspur, Grampians National ParkAuthorities are urging communities in western Victoria to leave now as two new bushfires burn out of control near Hotspur and the Grampians National Park.
Read more »
Grampians/Gariwerd Bushfire Burns Out of ControlA bushfire in Victoria's Grampians/Gariwerd National Park has been burning for over 24 hours, prompting Watch and Act and Prepare to Leave warnings for residents in several areas. Fire crews are battling to contain the blaze, which has already burned over 564 hectares.
Read more »
Urgent Evacuation Orders Issued for Grampians BushfireA large bushfire burning in Grampians National Park has prompted urgent evacuation orders for residents in the Grampians, Mirranatwa, and Victoria Valley areas. The fire is not yet contained and is moving in a north-westerly direction.
Read more »
Out-of-Control Bushfire Evacuates Campgrounds in GrampiansAn emergency bushfire in Victoria's Grampians National Park has forced campground evacuations and sparked warnings for private property damage.
Read more »
Grampians National Park Bushfire Rages, Residents Warned to EvacuateA bushfire in Victoria's Grampians National Park has escalated to an emergency level, prompting urgent evacuation orders for residents in affected areas. The fire, which began on Monday, has already burned over 500 hectares and is moving rapidly towards Victoria Valley Road. Authorities warn that they may not be able to save those who remain, urging immediate evacuation via Victoria Valley Road towards Dunkeld.
Read more »
Out-of-Control Bushfire Threatens Communities in Victoria's GrampiansA bushfire in the Grampians National Park is forcing residents to evacuate as it continues to burn out of control. The fire is impacting private property near Mirranatwa and emergency warnings remain in place.
Read more »