Wurdale Fire Brigade

21/02/2026

Much appreciated, Don’t Dairy 🙂

16/02/2026

Wow. 6 months ago.....

Residents in the south west of the state are being urged to check burn-off piles and bonfires as old as six months, following response from CFA volunteers to recent flare-ups.

Burning off is not permitted during the Fire Danger Period (FDP) without a permit; however, flare-ups are possible in piles that were burned before the FDP began.

On Saturday 7 February, CFA responded to a fire that ignited from a bonfire lit six months prior.

The reignition spread quickly to a nearby shed and unfortunately the shed could not be saved.

Luckily, crews were able to protect surrounding paddocks, plantations and the nearby home.

Deputy Chief Officer for South West Region Adrian Gutsche said given recent conditions landowners need to do everything they can to help prevent further start-ups of potentially devastating fires.

"We know burn-offs can flare up months down the track, so it's important residents are consistently monitoring wind conditions.

"Poorly managed pile burns can pose a bushfire risk and endanger lives, property and the environment. A simple check could save a lot of grief.”

It is possible for heat to be retained in stumps, large branches, or other bigger materials for months, if fire is not properly extinguished.

These piles can smoulder and then reignite in dry, windy conditions.

"Ultimately you are responsible for any fire you light and if it escapes you may be liable for the damage it causes,” Adrian said.

“All piles should be broken apart, spread out, and soaked to extinguish any smouldering material.”

Residents should always:

❗️Check local conditions and weather forecasts, including wind changes

❗️Ensure burn-offs are fully extinguished and continue monitoring piles

❗️Have a written permit to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP.

Glenelg Shire Council
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Moyne Shire Council
Warrnambool City Council
Corangamite Shire Council
Colac Otway Shire Council
Surf Coast Shire Council
Golden Plains Shire Council
City of Greater Geelong
Borough of Queenscliffe
Mixx889
Mixx1063

16/02/2026

Hot with wind AND an afternoon change. No fires please, total fire ban applies.
Had a call out to an unattended camp fire at Tanners Camp Ground on Monday morning, don't want any of those.

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Central, Wimmera, South West, North Central and West & South Gippsland fire weather districts for Tuesday 17 February 2026.

No fires can be lit, or be allowed to remain alight, in the open air from 12:01 AM until 11:59 PM.

More information is available at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firebans

14/02/2026

Over this high risk weather season, 436,200 hectares of land has burnt across Victoria. All of the significant fires are currently contained or under control, thanks to the incredible ongoing work of emergency services around the state.

Crews continue to monitor and patrol firegrounds and are working to extinguish any remaining hot spots.

The Fire Danger Ratings are High in the Mallee, Wimmera, North Central, Northern Country and North East districts today, Friday 13 (👻) February.

With Advice messages still current for grass and bushfires, continue to stay informed using the VicEmergency app or website: www.emergency.vic.gov.au

There are 16 recovery hubs and information centres open to support your recovery. Each recovery hub is different, with local support depending on community needs. You can find more information on services available to you here: www.vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires

14/02/2026

Severe can storms happen at any time – even in summer – and the impacts can be devastating.

It’s important to have a plan for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.

Find tips on staying safe in a storm here: www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/emergencies/storm

10/02/2026

Not high temperatures in our immediate area, but the Extreme rating still applies - no fires please, and keep tabs on the conditions (and VicEmergency). Total fire ban in force from midnight.

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Central, Mallee, North Central, North East, Northern Country, West & South Gippsland and Wimmera districts for Wednesday 11 February 2026.

No fires can be lit, or be allowed to remain alight, in the open air from 12:01 AM until 11:59 PM.

More information is available at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firebans

26/01/2026

The Australian Red Cross Register.Find.Reunite. service is active for the Carlisle River - Otways fire.

Register to let people know you are safe.
Find to look for people you know who may be affected.
Reunite with family, friends and loved ones.

Register.Find.Reunite at register.redcross.org.au.

26/01/2026

𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄 - 𝐚 '𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 & 𝐀𝐜𝐭' 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐜 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟕𝐭𝐡. 𝐖𝐞 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰. Especially don't wait until you see a nearby fire! All the best for a very hot day with moderate winds.

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Watch and Act - Bushfire - Monitor Conditions As They Are Changing. Issued today (Monday 26th) at 11:44 AM.

There is a new bushfire at Carlisle River and Gellibrand that is not yet under control. The situation can change at any time. You must monitor conditions and be ready to act.

Bushfire danger is expected to increase on Tuesday 27th January. Community members are encouraged to prepare their bushfire survival plan now and, if staying, ensure their property is ready.

More information on how to create a Bushfire Survival Plan: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/bush-plan

More information on how to prepare your property: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare
What you should do:
Monitor changes to the situation. Increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility can indicate the situation is changing.
Enact your fire survival plan.
If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.
If you have time, check your neighbours to see if they are monitoring conditions.
Protect yourself and your family.
A relief centre is open at Colac Showgrounds, entry via Bruce Street. Domestic or large animals including horses can be brought with you to the Colac Showgrounds. Pets must be self-managed, kept on a leash or in crates. There is no pet food available at this time.
Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe.
Remember to:
Take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.
Many people have died trying to leave at the last minute during fires.
Impacts in your area:
Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.transport.vic.gov.au) or call 13 11 70 for road closures.
There is likely to be significant smoke in some of the areas within this warning
For further information and advice on the health impacts of smoke, visit the Department of Health website.
Trees can be extremely dangerous during a bushfire or high winds. Do not stand, park or travel in areas of fire affected trees.
This message was issued by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

The next update is expected by 27/01/2026 11:50 am or as the situation changes.

Use multiple sources to stay informed:
www.emergency.vic.gov.au
VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226
VicEmergency app
Facebook or Twitter ( )
ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
For information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service for assistance and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.

25/01/2026

Lot of work at the Carlisle fire by several Wurdale crew over the last few days. We saw today multiple call-outs as well. Please do your bit in the coming week as we go through the heatwave, there’s a lot of concern about the conditions.
Have a plan should there be a fire in your area, have VicEmergency on your phone and/or computer, and don’t wait to see flames.

14/01/2026