Wildfire Rages in Victoria's Grampians National Park

Firefighters are struggling to contain a massive bushfire in Grampians National Park, Victoria, which has destroyed over 40,000 hectares and is likely to persist into early 2025. With temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius and winds reaching up to 80 km/h, the Country Fire Authority warns that the extreme conditions significantly hinder firefighting efforts. Chief Officer Jason Heffernan emphasized the need for residents to adhere to total fire bans as new fires pose a major risk. Safety orders were issued for several communities, with a total fire ban commencing on Boxing Day. Additionally, the situation is compounded by a heatwave affecting southern and eastern Australia, raising fire dangers across multiple states. Meanwhile, in Kwashieman, Ghana, a separate fire incident near a fuel station has prompted evacuations and emergency responses, although no casualties have been reported.