An isolated bushfire is sending smoke across a large section of the vast Grampians National Park in Victoria’s southwest.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) says the fire in the far southwest corner of the popular tourist attraction is not threatening property and has grown to more than 165ha in size. It was sparked by lightning strikes earlier on Wednesday.
DSE spokesman Lee Miezis said 20 firefighters would continue bringing the blaze under control on Thursday.
“It is in a very remote area, so it is not threatening any property or townships at this stage,” he said.
“But there’s a strong southerly wind and smoke covering a fairly wide area, from Ararat, right along the major Western Highway.”
Firefighters will be assisted by 17 light tankers, one large tanker and 12 aircraft.
Mr Miezis said Thursday’s cooler weather would also help firefighters.
He said the national park and its neighbouring townships and tourist attractions remained open and people in these areas should monitor any changes in conditions.