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    CFA members Rohan Richards, Warracknabeal, and Philip Lehmann, Brim, monitor the Little Desert National Park fire at Dimboola. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
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    Dimboola Fire Brigade captain Lyndon Kuhne and Butch Nicholson. Little Desert Fire at Dimboola.
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    Horsham Fire Brigade members Curtis Vanstan, Claire Longstaff, Emma King and Pacer Kilpatrick prepare to work on the Little Desert Fire at Dimboola.
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    Little Desert Fire at Dimboola.
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    Little Desert Fire at Dimboola.
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    Little Desert Fire at Dimboola.
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    Little Desert Fire at Dimboola.

Remain vigilant as fires impact Little Desert, Grampians

By Bronwyn Hastings

A 64,000-hectare fire in Little Desert National Park forced the evacuation of Dimboola, Wail and Pimpinio and destroyed Little Desert Nature Lodge on Monday.

The day of extreme fire danger saw high temperatures, winds up to 70 kilometres an hour and about 10,000 lightning strikes across the state. 

The strikes resulted in multiple ignitions, including one 15 kilometres north of Goroke which spread towards Dimboola.



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Dimboola resident and Hindmarsh Shire deputy mayor Chan Uoy said he knew the situation was serious when he received a text to ‘evacuate now’.

“At 6.57pm the text came through and we knew we were in trouble,” he said.

“When I read we should evacuate by 7.30pm, it became quite real. The smell of smoke confirmed it was serious, and within that half an hour it was a quick pack and go – the only evacuation in living memory.”

Mr Uoy said he evacuated with his partner Jamie, and after watching a string of cars leave the town, drove to Horsham’s relief centre, established by Horsham Rural City and Hindmarsh Shire councils.

“People went to the centre to register, then most found alternate accommodation, and came back in the morning for breakfast,” he said.

Mr Uoy said some trees were still burning along the river, and people were trying to save the culturally significant canoe trees in the area.

He said he was saddened to hear of the loss of Little Desert Nature Lodge, which was established in 1969 near Nhill for awareness and conservation of flora and fauna, before expanding to include a 120-capacity function centre and camping ground.

“I was only at the lodge a few months ago, for my council induction. There was a lot of local art there too, which is now lost,” he said.

In an online statement, Little Desert Nature Lodge camp director Moshe Kahn announced the ‘complete destruction’ of the venue, however confirmed there were no injuries or loss of life.

“Staff and animals left the property as a precautionary measure before the fire began, ensuring there were no injuries or harm,” he said.

“We are currently assessing the extent of the damage and planning the next steps forward. 

“Updates will be shared as they become available. In the meantime, we extend our thanks to the community for their messages of support and encouragement during this difficult time.

“We remain committed to the spirit of the lodge and the values it represents, and we are optimistic about rebuilding a future where nature, wildlife and community continue to thrive together.”

Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said about 60 to 70 new fires started on private land and about 80 started on public land and in national parks, including Little Desert National Park and Grampians National Park.

“Little Desert started about 1.20pm by, what we believe to be, lightning,” he said.

“The spread was incredibly fast, at rates of 14 to 18 kilometres an hour. For comparison, the Little Desert National Park grew to 64,000 hectares in hours, and the Grampians’ 21-day fire was about 76,000 to 77,000 hectares.”

Dimboola’s hospital and aged care facilities were unable to fully evacuate and sheltered in place. 

People who could not leave Dimboola also sheltered at the hospital.

“An assessment is currently underway to understand and appreciate the full impact and consequences of the fire,” Mr Nugent said.

“The Little Desert National Park and Wail State Forest are closed, and there are a number of rail and road closures in place – but that can change at any time, so people should check the VicTraffic website for current information.”

Mr Nugent thanked the community for actively monitoring conditions and listening to and acting on the advice provided, as well as the on-ground and in-air firefighters.

“I also want to thank the families and employers of volunteers – thank you so much for your support which enables our volunteers to get out there on the trucks.”

Forest Fire Management Victoria announced the threat to the Dimboola and Wail areas was reduced mid afternoon yesterday, allowing residents with authorised access to return to their homes.

CFA, FFMVic and private units continue to patrol fire edges and extinguish spot fires – Gerang Gerung resident Katelynn Clark has teamed with her family, neighbours and firefighters to defend their properties.

“It came really quick – we worked all Monday night and into Tuesday, stopping about 3.30am to go back out at 6am,” she said.

“We’ve lost a couple of hundred acres of pasture, and fences too, but we’ve been able to save our homes.

“We’re just watching and waiting for it to come out of the desert, and putting out spot fires and treelines. It’s been pretty hectic.”

A recovery centre will be set up at Dimboola Library from 9am today, Wednesday, and a community meeting will take place at 5pm at the rear of the library.

People are encouraged to keep up- to-date with warnings and advice by checking multiple sources across radio, social media and the VicEmergency app.

The entire January 29, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire January 29, 2025 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!