An enormous bushfire that’s been burning in Victoria’s Grampians region for days has been downgraded – but authorities warn the danger is not over yet. Firefighters say it could take weeks to extinguish the blaze, as nearby communities brace for extreme fire weather in coming days.
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00:00We're on the very edge of the warning zone, around 200km from Melbourne and 50km from
00:09the front line of the Grampians blaze that's been burning since about Tuesday but really
00:14kicked off on Friday.
00:16The emergency warning has just been downgraded but the danger is far from over, so this base
00:22camp will keep going 24-7 for the next few days as firefighters recharge then head back
00:29out to keep fighting.
00:31The emergency warning for halls, gap and surrounding areas is now at a watch and act level but
00:36residents are being told it's still not safe to return.
00:39The bushfire at Grampians National Park is still not under control and will likely burn
00:44for weeks.
00:45So far it's burned more than 34,000 hectares.
00:48Despite the downgrade, nearby residents' Christmas plants have been thrown into chaos, especially
00:53because authorities have forecast particularly devastating fire conditions on Boxing Day.
00:59It's an anxious wait for people living in Pomona where another fire destroyed 46 homes
01:04in February.
01:05They're still under a watch and act warning but the forecast has locals on edge, some
01:09have their cars packed and ready to leave just in case.
01:13And the workers here will also plan to spend Christmas at base camp.
01:18We're having a full Christmas dinner for everybody and everything else so it's just like a big
01:22extended family.
01:24We've got turkey, ham, pork and we've got trifle and pudding.
01:31It's not known exactly how long this will all be set up as firefighters dig in for a
01:36long battle.