Residents around the Grampians told to evacuate as bushfires burn out of control

Hundreds of firefighters are continuing to battle a huge bushfire burning in the Grampians in western Victoria. The fire has now exceeded 41,000 hectares. Residents in the tourist centre of Halls Gap have been told it is not safe to return, while several smaller centres have also been evacuated. The blaze started by a lightning strike last Tuesday. It has been moving in a northerly direction and has reached Lake Bellfield and the Major Mitchell Plateau. Favourable weather conditions and light rain overnight have slowed the fire spread, but authorities warn the situation could change at any time. Firefighters are concerned worsening conditions later this week could see the fire escalate.