ON PATROL: A fire tanker makes its way along the Henty Higher at Woohlpooer yesterday afternoon clouded by smoke from the Victoria Valley fire. PICTURE: PAUL CARRACHER.
LATEST: Grampians fire updates
THE northern Grampians is open for business as usual while the Victoria Valley fire rages in the southern and western areas of the Grampians.
Halls Gap Zoo co-owner Yvonne Culell said she had noticed a slight drop-off in visitors this week. The zoo is on Ararat-Halls Gap Road.
Mrs Culell said February was usually a quieter month at the zoo.
"We are getting phone calls and emails asking if we are open," she said.
"We just want to reassure people that the central and northern parts of the Grampians are safe and open for business. We would love to see more visitors here."
Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Wayne Rice encouraged people to continue visiting Halls Gap and the northern end of the Grampians.
He said the northern Grampians was not under immediate threat.
"It is important that people continue to support the many tourism businesses that operate in Halls Gap and the northern Grampians," Cr Rice said.
"We are keen to reassure visitors they will be safe when they visit.
"The Grampians covers a huge area and the fire is at the other end of the park, at least 30 kilometres from Halls Gap."
Cr Rice said the town hosted a series of busy weekends during February, including the Grampians Jazz Festival and Grampians Rod Run, the latter while the fire was burning at the weekend.
"Halls Gap is also hosting the Grampians Texture workshop series tomorrow," he said.
"If there was any danger, this event would have been cancelled.
"Halls Gap is still a fantastic place to visit."
Cr Rice said people could visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au for information about the latest park closures.