The Woodend Fire Brigade has welcomed a new medium tanker and rehab unit vehicle to their engine bay, celebrating the official handover with brigade members and local dignitaries this month.

Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas on Friday, May 9 joined Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers and staff in Woodend to officially hand over a new medium tanker and rehabilitation unit while thanking volunteers for their work.

The four-wheel drive Hino GT medium tanker fits up to five crew members in the cabin and replaces the brigade’s existing 25-year-old tanker.

Features include 2,000 litre firefighting water storage and an extra 650 litres for crew and vehicle protection sprays. The suppression system can be operated from inside the cabin – helping ensure brigade members are kept safe.

Woodend Brigade Captain Steve Ritchie has been involved with the brigade for 31 years and says the brigade feels proud to have a modernised firefighting fleet.       

“Our old tanker served us well for 25 years, but this new vehicle provides advanced capabilities and ensures safe transport to and from incident sites,” Steve said.  

“It’s a game changer for us. This tanker is a four-wheel drive and comfortably seats a crew of five, whereas our old tanker was a two-wheel drive and had our crews squished in together or travelling on the back of the truck,” Steve said.  

The new rehab unit will replace their existing one and is better equipped to monitor and maintain firefighter health on the fire ground.

“We’ve replaced our makeshift unit with a purpose-built vehicle that provides enhanced safety and comfort for our team,” Steve said.  

“It comfortably seats four crew members with its twin cabin and is better configured to store health monitoring systems, lighting, cool chairs, water, wash facilities, salt and sugar boosters, and first aid kits.

“It will significantly improve onsite health support for firefighters ensuring our members have a safe space to rest and recover during prolonged incidents.

“Responding to more than 230 call outs over the past two years, the streamlined configuration of both vehicles will significantly help with our crew’s communication and teamwork when responding to incidents.”

CFA District 2 Commander Hugh Kelly congratulated the brigade on their new additions.  

“These vehicles are a testament to the dedication of the Woodend Fire Brigade and the community that supports them,” Hugh said.  

“Both additions will be valuable assets to help keep the local community safe, while also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of brigade members. 

“The new medium tanker and rehab unit were made possible through the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) and significant brigade contributions from community and business donations.”  

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas: “The Woodend Fire Brigade is an integral part of the Mount Macedon region. It’s a pleasure to officially handover the new medium tanker and rehabilitation unit to our hardworking volunteers.”

Words: Supplied. Images: CFA

Words & Images: Supplied: CFA

As more Victorians trade city life for the peace and quiet of regional and rural areas, the CFA is encouraging tree changers to take the time to learn about their local fire risks.

According to the Regional Movers Index, over 32 per cent more people are relocating from capital cities to regional areas than vice versa.

CFA District 17 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Eagle said it’s critical for new regional and rural residents to have a fire plan and the VicEmergency App.

“Moving to the country can bring a fresh start, but it also comes with a need to understand local risks, especially the threat of bushfire and what to do when one occurs,” Chris said.

“Having a plan can make all the difference when time is tight, and conditions change quickly.”

Dimboola resident Chan Uoy (pictured above) experienced this firsthand during the Little Desert Bushfire on 27 January, when he received an emergency warning.

Chan moved to the small town for a change after two decades running restaurants in Melbourne’s inner west.

“The smell of the smoke and our first emergency warning text made it feel very real. I’d never experienced anything like it,” Chan said.

“We thought, if a city like Los Angeles can burn, so can a small town like Dimboola.

“When we got the alert, we had to make a call — what’s important? For us, it was the passport, laptop, and clothes for two days.”

Chan added that it’s not only vital to plan for your own household, but also important to remember those who might rely on you for help.

“Our neighbours are elderly. My partner’s older brother and sister-in-law moved here too, and they don’t drive. So, our first thought was, ‘who can we help?’ It was a wake-up call.” he said.

“The building we’d spent years renovating could’ve gone up in smoke. But when it came down to it, we learned what really matters… and it’s not the building.”

Although Chan and his partner didn’t have a formal fire plan at the time, they have since made changes to be better prepared, including getting familiar with local warnings and having an emergency kit ready to go.

“The most important thing is information and mental preparation. You’ve got to take it seriously. It’s real. It can happen, and it did happen,” Chan said.

The CFA is encouraging residents new to regional or rural areas to:

• Learn if they live in a high fire-risk area.
• Download the VicEmergency app and set up watch zones.
• Create a Bushfire Survival Plan on CFA’s website, even if they plan to leave early.
• Talk to neighbours and understand who may need assistance in an emergency.

Last week the CFA marked 80 years as an organisation, protecting and serving Victorians through the commitment and dedication of its volunteers over the decades.

The Volunteer Brigade movement has been around in Victoria for greater than 170 years. CFA was created following the findings of the 1939 Black Friday disaster, but its rich history mirrors that of the state, with the earliest brigades emerging on the Goldfields in the 1850s.
 
This milestone encompasses an immeasurable legacy of sacrifice, commitment and stories which go to the heart of the Australian psyche; exemplifying mateship and the principle of being there for others in their time of need. 

The iconic “yellows” are instantly recognisable and synonymous with selfless service and bravery in preparing and protecting communities across Victoria and beyond. 

The CFA’s members and brigades can be found in every part of Victoria, providing a deep and unparalleled connection with their communities. It is a part of them.

The CFA has learned from the many devastating events throughout its history and continues to evolve and improve its understanding of fire, while ensuring that frontline firefighters and the community are as safe as possible as they carry out their work. 

Fire prevention and suppression techniques have advanced significantly, boosted by the use of aerial appliances, telecommunications, improved weather modelling and cutting-edge predictive fire behaviour tools, as well as a focus on planned burning and other fuel reduction methods. 

While many Victorians associate CFA with bushfire, CFA members and the work they do is so much more than that. They attended more than 37,000 incidents in the past year alone, in addition to the continuing community preparedness activities which help communities stay safe. 

The roles of CFA members cover a broad range of skillsets; from specialist rope rescue, air observers, road crash rescue, mine rescue, alpine, forest and coastguard operations and frontline firefighting, structure firefighting to research, community education and incident management. 

As one of the most fire-prone areas in the world, CFA has been at the forefront of research and innovation to provide its members with the best possible equipment, training, tools and resources for their critical mission. 

Words & Image: Supplied, CFA

As the sun was setting over Safety Beach on the Mornington Peninsula last Tuesday night (March 25) crews from SES, CFA, Victoria Police, Fire Rescue Victoria, and members of the community worked together to free a dog that was stuck in the rocks.

Crews responded just before 7pm and after a long and careful operation to remove Roxy from the rocks that create the breakwater for the entrance to Martha’s Cove, the crews were then faced with the challenge of getting the injured dog off the rocks. 

Roxy was unable to walk after her ordeal, so the crews had the options of carrying Roxy over the rough terrain or waiting for a boat to arrive from Marine Rescue or Coast Guard to take her by sea. 

Light was fading quickly as a personal watercraft operator passed by slowly, allowing firefighters to ask his assistance.

He was happy to help, though the sore Roxy didn’t much like the idea of getting on board. 

Eventually a boat returning to the dock came along, hoping to be in by dark they were swept willingly into the rescue operation. 

With surgeon-like precision, the boat’s captain manoeuvred his craft close to the rocks near the rescuers.

Roxy (safely in a stretcher) and her owner were then able to board the vessel and return safety to dock. 

“This is a great example of the community coming together to assist strangers, without question or hesitation,” Commander Tony Ford said. 

“We really would like to thank the boat and Jet Ski operators for coming to the assistance of the rescue operation,” he said. 

“The good news is that Roxy was able to walk off the boat and jump in the family wagon waiting at the end of the pier.” 

Story based on a CFA report. Images: CFA

The CFA’s Oscar 1 Emergency Response Mine Rescue Brigade has brought home a podium finish at the Victorian Mine Rescue Competition (VMRC) held over last weekend.

VMRC is an annual safety training exercise, which pits mine rescue and emergency response teams from Victoria and New South Wales against each other in a series of simulated emergency situations.       

Organised by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), it also provides an event for teams to share knowledge and experience in a challenging but fun environment. 

Teams gathered on Friday March 28 in Heathcote to compete in eight realistic, high pressure, scenario-based challenges including firefighting, first aid, underground search and rescue, and a ropes exercise.  

The CFA’s team, Oscar 1 claimed a win in the fire exercise scenario and third place in the Breathing Apparatus exercise.  

First Lieutenant of the team Karl Shay said the other teams put up some tough competition.  

“It was an excellent weekend,” Karl said. 

“You get six months of training in just one weekend. 

“On the Friday night our crew actually got a call out to a job with a man stuck down a mine shaft, so it was a great chance to use our skills and assist them to safety.” 

The fire-fighting exercise included one of CFA’s gas prop cars and required participants to run through the scenario of a large car fire.  

Tom Heather, a member of the Oscar 1 team, said the weekend provides a good opportunity to train and get together with all the rescue brigades.  

“It puts us head-to-head, but we treat it like real life training,” Tom said.  

“We are all bouncing off one another. You really come together as a team. 

“I am definitely proud to be part of CFA and to show people what we can do and what we are here for.”  

Members of the CFA Oscar 1 unit also compete across other teams including Central Victorian Mutual Aid with Oscar 1 member Darcy Mcclure-Wallace won the overall individual skills category and was part of the overall winning team, Foster Gold Mine, with other members of the Oscar 1 unit. 

Story and Images: CFA

The rescue of a native bird by the Kyneton Fire Brigade and Wildlife Victoria last week highlights the damage that litter – including discarding fishing line – can cause if left in the environment.

Last Wednesday 26 March, the Kyneton Fire Brigade was called to assist Wildlife Victoria with a bird rescue after the native currawong became entangled in fishing line that was stuck in a tree.

Crews responded at about 1pm to reports of the unfortunate bird stuck in the fishing line that was entangled in the tree along the Campaspe River in Kyneton.  

Wildlife Victoria attempted to free the currawong, which was suspended over the river, tangled in the fishing line. However, despite getting in the water they were unable to free the bird.  

When they were unable to make the rescue, they contacted Kyneton Fire Brigade who arrived promptly and ready to help.  

Crews used their rescue equipment to get the bird out of the tree and it was then able to be disentangled from the fishing line.  

The bird had a damaged beak and a swollen wing but was expected to make a full recovery.  

A spokesperson for the brigade said CFA volunteers are always ready to answer the call for help wherever it might come from. 

“We’re incredibly proud of our volunteers, who never hesitate to step up, no matter who needs help,” they said.  

Story based on a CFA report. Images: CFA

The Beaufort CFA Brigade has received a new fire station … and a new heavy tanker.

As the CFA approaches its 80^th anniversary this week, the state’s Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward last Friday officially unveiled the station and handed over the new heavy tanker to the brigade. 

Beaufort Captain Tony Neville said the brigade, in its 151 year, was thrilled to be operating out the new state of the art station and using the new heavy tanker.

“Everything flows better,” Mr Neville said.

“All our trucks are all on the one bay, we used to have separate sheds and had to move cars around to get to equipment.

“I think it may have also helped with recruitment with five new volunteers waiting to do their General Fire Fighting training.”

The new station, which has relocated to 2-6 Racecourse Road, includes essential amenities such as a motor room with three drive-through bays, offices, workshops, operational areas, meeting rooms, change rooms for both male and female volunteers, as well as unisex ambulant facilities. Externally the station provides a car park, and a six-bay storage shed.   

The station is also home to a Local Command Facility, which provides additional support to the district and brigades during larger incidents.

The new heavy tanker includes important features to improve safety and reduce fatigue, with crew and vehicle roll over and burnover protection, a 4,000-litre water tank and electric rewind hose reels – helping improve their emegergency response capabilities. 

This is one of the 48 new heavy tankers being delivered as part of the state government’s $22.7 million investment into state-of-the-art appliances for CFA.

This week the CFA is celebrating 80 years of operation – and Beaufort is one of the oldest brigades in the state, celebrating its 150th anniversary last year. 

Beaufort Brigade has a proud history especially during World War I when many of its members enlisted and served overseas.

Beaufort provided more soldiers to the war effort than any other fire brigade in Victoria at the time with 13 of its 15 active members joining the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) for service abroad.

The CFA formed after a series of devastating fires in the summer of 1943-44 prompted the consolidation of the Bushfire Brigades Association and the Country Fire Brigades Association. 

Since this time, the CFA has become one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – with more than 52,000 members across 1,200 brigades.

Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward: “CFA volunteers show extraordinary courage showing up for Victorians in emergencies – it’s a history they are rightly proud of.”

“We will always support them so they have everything they need to protect lives and communities.”

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett: “The Beaufort Fire Brigade has been protecting our community for over 150 years. Their dedicated volunteers deserve the very best station, vehicles, and equipment to respond to emergencies.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan: “This new facility marks the beginning of a new part of this brigade’s history and one that will only improve the service the CFA provides for their local areas.”    

This story based on a CFA report and a state government media release. Image: Supplied, CFA

More than 900 firefighters have been competing in the 2025 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships held over the past two weekends.

Held at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, CFA junior running teams from across the state have showcased their skills in the Urban Junior State Championships that were held on 22 and 23 March.

And over the past weekend the Senior Urban, Senior Rural and Junior Rural events were held on 29 and 30 March.

Running for the second year in a row, was Gisborne Fire Brigade’s junior team. Following a 12-year hiatus, Gisborne returned stronger than ever, under the watchful eye of former runner and coach for the brigade Bruce Harker.

Bruce is passionate about the sport and ran for almost 45 years. He has been guiding Asher, Nick, Zack and Lincoln who also recently won the under-17 aggregates at Geelong.

“This is the first time in the brigade’s history we have had a junior running team,” Bruce said.

“I’m quite pleased how they’ve gone this year and there’s a lot of pride for me in the success of the team.

“The brigade has been running since the 1960s, and we were unbeatable for a while. It’s great to have a team back competing.”

Asher Kroon one of the team’s founding members loves the sport and how many opportunities it has given him.

“I think everyone should do it, I have learnt a lot of valuable skills, especially the teamwork aspect,” Asher said.

“I love all the long drives and places I get to see as part of competing.”

Asher also wants to see more people put their hand up to participate.

“We’ve done really well this year,” Asher said.

“We only have four people which is the minimum to compete. Even though it isn’t a sport you’d normally consider we would love more people to join.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the State Championships are an important tradition for CFA members and regional communities.

“The Championships are always one of my favourite events in the calendar. They are a great display of the skills, dedication and enthusiasm of our members in a fun environment,” Jason said.

“It’s always a great place to see the camaraderie among our brigades, their families and the broader community.

Attendees also enjoyed food and drink vans, firefighting equipment and training demonstrations, CFA programs and education hubs, award presentations and much more. 

Events at the State Championships are based on practical firefighting activities, with a focus on physical fitness, teamwork and equipment skills using hoses, hydrants and other tools.

For more information and updates on results from the recent CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/champs.

This story based on a CFA report. Image: Supplied, CFA

The CFA is reminding Victorian landowners, farmers, and machinery operators to remain alert to the fire risk this autumn after a large bushfire near Glenrowan earlier this month.

The fire, sparked by a mower, burned approximately 26 hectares and at its peak prompted a Watch and Act warning for residents.

Thirty-two CFA appliances from multiple brigades responded alongside Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), with air attack support deployed to help slow the fire’s spread. 

Despite summer drawing to a close, the  Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook warns that elevated fire risk will continue through early autumn in Western and Central Victoria, as well as South and West Gippsland, due to dry conditions and warmer-than-average temperatures. 

CFA Fire Investigator Daryl Owen said the fire was a reminder of how easily machinery can ignite a fire in dry conditions. 

“If you’re using machinery, it’s very important to assess the conditions beforehand and take steps to prevent sparks,” Mr Owen said. 

“Working in the early morning, maintaining your equipment, and having firefighting tools on hand can make all the difference.” 

CFA District 23 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Contessa reinforced that fire danger remains a concern even as autumn begins. 

“Even with summer behind us, dry grass and warm conditions mean fires can still spread rapidly,” he said. 

“The Glenrowan fire showed how much effort it takes to contain a fast-moving grassfire once it spreads into difficult terrain.  

“We urge machinery operators to be mindful of their surroundings and take every precaution to prevent fires like this from starting.” 

For advice on fire restrictions and safe machinery use during the Fire Danger Period visit CFA’s website. 

Words & Image: CFA

The Hepburn Shire area is among large parts of western and central Victoria facing an increased risk of fire in early autumn, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn, released late last week.

A concerning lack of rain over the past 12 to 24 months has led to increased flammable dry vegetation in forests and heathlands. This has already resulted in large, fast-running fires in the Grampians and the Little Desert over summer.

With average rainfall expected in autumn, the availability of flammable dry vegetation in forests, woodlands and heathlands is expected to remain high., the CFA says.

Forecast warmer than average maximum temperatures may also further increase flammable dry vegetation availability in western and central Victoria. This will make it easier for fires to start and spread.

Across the rest of the state, Victorians can expect normal fire potential. However, fast running fires are possible on dry and windy days in areas with dry or cured vegetation.

Conditions may delay planned burning in some parts of the state, but may also increase opportunities to target areas not typically available for burning in autumn.

Emergency services will continue to monitor conditions to identify key risk areas leading into the autumn period.

Victoria remains well prepared for the potential of fires, with a mix of water bombing aircraft, air supervision and air intelligence gathering aircraft positioned across the state to support our dedicated volunteer and career firefighters on the ground.

The Outlook for Autumn is developed by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology along with state and territory fire and land managers.

The CFA is warning that it’s important for communities to understand their local risks and keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website.

Country Fire Authority Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan: “While conditions remain dry with little rain forecast in certain parts of the state over coming weeks, the fire risk will continue but our crews are ready and will adapt to changes as they develop through autumn.

“Victorians should continue to maintain their properties and stay informed of their local risks so they can take action to protect their families in the event of a fire.”

This story based on a CFA report

Midway through last year, the CFA West Region Community Safety Team was approached by the Friends of Cornish Hill in Daylesford, to look at the growth of gorse and other “woody weeds” in the reserve.

CFA Vegetation Management Officer Kay Richardson attended with Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and local CFA Captain Glenn Webster.

Since that first meeting, collaborative efforts between FFMVic, the CFA Community Safety Team, and the Friends of Cornish Hill (FOCH) resulted in “notable improvements in vegetation management and track maintenance,” the CFA has now reported.

It has also offered significant opportunities to include the surrounding community in fire risk awareness discussions and shared responsibility.

The FOCH ran a ‘Backing onto bush’ session in late November 2024 which was attended by 36 community members plus agency staff including Hepburn Shire, FFMVic, CFA and Landcare. 

The day aimed to engage the community and highlight the fire risks they faced and what they could do to manage those risks as individuals and as a community.

“By the end of the session, the group was galvanised to assist the agencies to manage the fuel load on Cornish Hill as one way of preparing for fire,” the CFA has since reported.

FFMVic has completed grooming and grading the tracks on Cornish Hill. This work has not only improved accessibility but has also enhanced safety for maintenance teams and the local community.

Cath Matthews, Regional Vegetation Management Coordinator, expressed her gratitude to Midlands FFMVic for their work.

“A big thanks to Midlands FFMVic for undertaking the mulching of the gorse-infested tracks through Cornish Hill. This will now greatly facilitate access for brigades, enabling quicker suppression if a fire starts in the reserve,” Cath said.

Efforts to address invasive gorse, blackberry, and broom are ongoing, with the following key activities underway:

• CFA reports that it is “preparing to treat a block of woody weeds near the north-east corner of the hill”.
• The FOCH has engaged the “Gorsinator” to remove old, hard-to-access gorse from the north-west corner.

The progress achieved has been well-received by the community and stakeholders. At the FOCH Annual General Meeting, members expressed their encouragement with the rapid pace of work. Cath Matthews also highlighted the broader impact of these efforts.

“This work has strengthened relationships between the many stakeholders involved, and hopefully we can build on this to ensure continued reduction of fire risk within this reserve and with the community.”

The FOCH is now preparing funding applications to sustain the work that has been achieved.

This story based on a CFA report

The CFA is encouraging brigades across the state to compete in this year’s CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships in March.

Interested brigades need to register by Sunday 16 February 2025. Nominations are online via the VFBV website: https://tinyurl.com/2025-entry-eoi 

The events are once again being held at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve across two weekends.  

Urban Junior State Championships will kick off on 22 and 23 March. The Senior Urban, Junior Rural, and Senior Rural events are being held at the same site the following weekend, 29 and 30 March. 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the State Championships have always been an integral part of CFA since they began in 1874. 

“The Championships are a great way to show the endurance and reliability of brigades as well as promoting leadership, mental wellbeing, and physical fitness with all competitors celebrated for having a go,” Jason said. 

“The Championships are one of the most exciting events on the CFA calendar and a great opportunity for our members to engage in friendly competition with their brigade and fellow firefighters.  

“It’s also a great way for the community to see what we do and hopefully we can inspire them to join their local brigades.  

“I highly recommend brigades to get involved in the event which includes practical firefighting activities using hoses, hydrants and other equipment. It’s also fantastic for teamwork and comradeship.”   

Captain of Melton Fire Brigade, Anthony Rhodes, has been competing and coaching teams in the State Championships since he was a teenager and said he loves the family aspect of the event. 

Not only does he compete and coach alongside his sons he said other members become like your family too.  

“I love the camaraderie,” Anthony said. 

 “It doesn’t matter where you’re from it is a real family feeling.

“It gives you a good opportunity to socialise and meet people and then you run into them on strike teams or just out and about and you really feel connected.” 

Anthony competed in the junior division before becoming a senior competitor. He also spent many years as a coach for both junior and senior teams at Melton brigade.  

“I used to coach the juniors, but when my two sons came along I decided to step back from that and just be a dad,” he said. 

This year he is both competing in the senior open running team and coaching the senior women’s teams, he said he can’t wait to share the event with his boys and extended firefighting family. 

“Champs allow members and family to have an outlet and have a little bit of fun. 

To anyone thinking of signing up Anthony said, “today is the day”.  

“When people go to fires, we don’t always deal with great things. This is a great outlet because it isn’t life or death, it is just a bit of fun,” he said. 

This story based on a CFA report

The CFA and RSPCA Victoria are urging residents to include pets in their bushfire survival plans, with significant fire activity having already impacting Victoria this summer.

Having bedding, food, and water ready to go for your furry friend could save valuable time in the event of a fire. 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan emphasised the importance of being ready to leave early on high-risk bushfire days. 

“While you should always prioritise your own safety ahead of your pets, your bushfire plan isn’t fully complete unless it accounts for them,” Jason said. 

“When creating a plan, consider what your pets will eat and drink, how you will transport them, and where you are taking them. 

“Once you have your kit prepared, keep it somewhere that’s easily accessible.  

“Keep towels and woollen blankets on hand to protect pets during the journey and to keep them as cool as possible.  

“Another valuable step is microchipping pets for easy identification and ensuring your phone number is visible on their collar. 

For horses and livestock, a separate plan is required. 

“If you’re unable to evacuate livestock, the safest place is a large, well-grazed, and fenced area away from roads where they can move freely with access to water,” Jason said.  

“Make sure you’re prepared; late evacuation will put you and your animals at risk.” 

RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker reiterated the importance of including pets in bushfire survival plans. 

“Planning for emergencies is such a crucial part of life in Victoria particularly during the summer months,” Dr Walker said. 

“Many people across the state already have a Fire Ready plan in place, and we’re urging everyone to make sure their pets are included too. 

“An emergency kit with medication, updated contact details on microchips and collars, photos or scans on your phone of important documents like vaccination certifications, are just some of the items to prepare in advance.  

“Our pets are such an important part of our lives, including them in your Fire Ready plans increases the chances of you and your pet making it to safety in an emergency situation.” 

For more information and tips on how to keep your pets and livestock safe during high bushfire risk days, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/pets. 

Your Pet Bushfire Relocation Kit should include: 

• Food and water.

• A bowl for each pet.

• A second collar and lead.

• A carrier for cats and smaller pets.

• Bedding and a woollen blanket.

• A pet first-aid kit – seek your vet’s advice.

• A favourite toy.

• Any medications, along with a written list of what they are.

• Your pet’s medical history, including proof of vaccination.

• Your vet’s contact details. 

Tips for keeping pets cool  

• Have fresh, cold water available at all times 

• Ensure your pet has shade at all times or bring them inside into a cool room 

• Wipe your pet down with a cool, damp towel or leave wet towels out for them to lie on 

• Wet your dog with cool water several times throughout the day 

• Consider buying a wading pool for your dog 

• For cats, rub damp hands over their coat or along their tummy 

• Place ice blocks in your pet’s water bowl 

• Place ice in a pillow case and place it near your pets 

• Consider having your dog clipped if their coat is long and thick 

• Never leave your pets in a vehicle on a hot day. 

This story based on a CFA report

After three weeks, the bushfire in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is now contained, the CFA has reported this week.

The fire began on 17 December after dry lightning started multiple fires in the southern part of the national park, and this Monday (January 6) the CFA confirmed that the fire had now finally been contained.

With a fire footprint circumference of 422 kilometres, more than 76,000 hectares of national park and agricultural land has burned.

Communities near the fire were urged to leave when several Emergency Warnings were issued in the lead up to the Christmas period.

The fire claimed four residential properties in Moyston and Mafeking, and 40 outbuildings in Moyston, Willaura, Willaura North, Mafeking, Pomonal, Glenthompson and Mirranatwa.

Preliminary data indicates livestock losses include 775 sheep, one horse, one beef cattle and 1,285 beehives. Additionally, more than 13,538 ha of farmland, including 10,053 ha of pasture was burnt, and 540 km of fencing was damaged.

Leading up to the past weekend’s elevated fire danger, firefighters conducted burning out operations to reduce vegetation and strengthen containment lines.

Firefighters and aircraft were actively patrolling the areas in and around the national park throughout the elevated fire danger period, addressing hotspots early and preventing any further spread of the existing fire.

This work helped to reduce fire activity and contain the fire ahead of more settled conditions over the next week. This means there is no active or running fire, and the perimeter is within control lines. 

Whilst Halls Gap and the Grampians National Park remain closed to visitors, fire agencies are planning to reopen Halls Gap to visitors during the week. Planning is also underway for opening parts of the Grampians National Park later in the week. 

Incident Controller Peter West: “This fire represents a significant environmental and social incident and one that deeply affects people connected to the national park, including Traditional Owners, tourism operators and visitors.

“Coinciding with what is typically the busiest season for tourism in the area, the fire has resulted in considerable hardships and financial losses for local businesses and communities.

“Declaring the fire contained allows us to begin the process of reopening Halls Gap and areas of the national park.

“Firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol the fire; this could still take a number of weeks. It is likely we will still see smoke and small flare-ups in the area, but we will continue to be present to deal with these when and as they arise.

“I want to thank the community and the public for their remarkable patience during our battle with this fire. We understand that many plans had to be altered and that the resulting inconvenience has had a significant impact on daily life and significant events such as Christmas.

“Your cooperation in following our messaging and adhering to road closures has been invaluable. It has allowed our crews to focus their efforts on fighting the fire effectively while prioritising community safety. Thank you once again for your understanding and support during this challenging time.

“Whilst we continue to focus on the suppression of the fire, planning is well underway to ensure a prompt and thorough recovery from this event.”

Victorians are reminded to always have more than one source of information, including:

• The VicEmergency app
• The VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
• Emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews
• The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
• VicEmergency on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter)

This story based on a CFA report

As we come into summer and what we know will be a challenging fire season, the CFA is urging all Victorians to have a fire plan and know where to get emergency information from.

Two significant fires have already taken place in the Wimmera and Otways this Spring and the summer seasonal outlook shows there is an increased fire risk for most of the west, southwest, northeast, Greater Melbourne and southwestern parts of Gippsland including the Mornington Peninsula.  

In the west and southwest of Victoria there has been limited rainfall for the last 18 months that has resulted in a substantial amount of dead and dry plant material within forests, making it easier for fires to start and spread. 

Grasslands in the areas with a heightened risk have superficial green on top that conceals underlying dryness, meaning grassland curing is likely to start earlier than normal.

In the other parts of Victoria, including central Victoria and the Hepburn Shire area, the fire risk is expected to be normal but the state’s fire services are committed to continuing to monitor these areas to identify any significant changes to fire risk.  

The CFA says it’s ready to protect communities and has been working with other Victorian emergency service partners to prepare for fire season.  

Fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and the community with the CFA asking all Victorians in high-risk areas to take simple actions to prepare their family and property as the weather begins to warm.   

On hot, dry, windy days, fires can start and spread quickly. If the Fire Danger Rating is Extreme or Catastrophic, leaving early before a fire has started is the safest option.  

The CFA is advising to never wait for an official warning before you leave, as you may not get one. Fires can  start quickly and threaten homes and lives within minutes.

The CFA is advising people to make sure they have a plan. If you wait and decide to leave after a fire has started, you risk driving through  thick smoke, fallen trees and power lines, and face the danger of collisions, being trapped by fire, serious injury or death. 

Stay informed by downloading the VicEmergency app to stay across incidents and fire danger ratings in your area. 

This story based on a CFA report