Incident Controller Mark Gunning said this was a significant milestone for Grampians communities with emergency and recovery services now focussing on returning residents in fire-affected areas back to their homes and opening roads to ensure these local areas are open to tourists ahead of the long weekend.

“Over the past few days firefighters have focussed on back burning around the Mt Difficult Range near Halls Gap as well as establishing and consolidating control and containment lines,” he said.

“With more favourable weather conditions it has been important to complete these works as we’re expecting some warmer weather and northerly winds this Thursday.”

Mr Gunning said crews would continue patrolling the fire as well as undertaking hazardous tree assessments along the fire’s edge and surrounding roads and properties.

“Residents and visitors should still be mindful that clean-up works will continue over coming days and an Advice message remains in place for Roses Gap, Cherrypool, Dadswell's Bridge, Laharum, Ledcourt, Pomonal, Zumsteins, Wartook, Bellfield, Lake Fyans, Glenisla, Halls Gap and Brimpaen,” he said.

“As with any fire, the situation can change at any time and while we don’t expect any further spread of the fire, it is important that people stay up-to-date with local conditions.”

Residents can keep with the latest warnings and advice by downloading the FireReady smartphone application, through CFA’s Twitter and Facebook accounts or by phoning the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.