The local CFA teams are incredible: knowledgeable, brave and hardworking. The community is so fortunate to have them on standby during this period of extended hot weather, which is expected to continue for at least the next week.
There have been a few call-outs recently. Newstead Fire Brigade was called to assist with a fire in Joyce’s Creek on Thursday 30 January; it was a large hay stack fire involving a shed and truck that seems to have spontaneously combusted.
The Maldon team attended a shed fire in Harker Street, Maldon on Sunday 2 February. Maldon 1st Lieutenant (Acting Captain) Bruce Clements told the TT [Tarrangower Times]: “It appeared to be an electrical fault in a shed in the back of the property,” and said that thankfully, there was not a lot of damage.
On Monday 3 February, teams from Campbells Creek, Castlemaine, Walmer, Maldon and Newstead attended a grass fire in Muckleford that seemed to have been ignited by mowing equipment. The TT [Tarrangower Times] happened to observe the admirably quick actions of the crews chasing the flames, which Bruce described as two or three times the height of the fuel.
“It was quite lucky, there was no wind really pushing it along and the road was a natural fire break. It burnt about 3 acres, just grass, with no damage to infrastructure.” Bruce said that in hot weather, people using machinery should have a reasonable sized extinguisher on hand and be sure it is adequate. He said it was a reminder: “Be mindful of the conditions.”
In other brigade news, Tanker One from Maldon has been sent to the Grampians where the fire front is still very active, with many strike teams and personnel in attendance.
The rainfall during Sunday’s huge storm brought some welcome relief, but there were many lightening strikes. Bruce explained that the outcome of this will become evident in the coming days. “There could be trees that are smouldering that could ignite later when it heats up again.”
Fire ready reminders
Make sure roadside numbers are visible, vegetation around gates, culverts and bridges has been cleared, and gates are wide enough and easy to open.
Keep yourself informed of the conditions locally and if you are travelling, check your travel path and at your destination.
With temperatures high over the coming days, what is your trigger to leave? Check the Fire Danger Rating and speak with your family and neighbours to determine when you will leave.
Having an Emergency Kit ready to go will make it easy to leave and protect yourself and your loved ones. Your Emergency Kit should contain essential items – like important documents, water, a mobile phone and charger, medicines, pet food and a change of clothes.
Follow official warnings and advice using the VicEmergency app, the VicEmergency hotline (1800 226 226) and your local ABC emergency broadcaster. Never rely on one source of information.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 7 February 2025.
