Rolling coverage | Community meeting in Katamatite today, total fire ban again Sunday

The total fire ban will continue tomorrow.

Throughout the weekend, we will add to our rolling coverage, adding information and updates.

Stay informed by using the VicEmergency app, online at emergency.vic.gov.au or on the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226, or tune in to ABC local radio.

UPDATE: 3.35pm

Fire support update for Moira residents

A number of support measures are available for Moira Shire residents affected by the fire that is affecting Cobram East, Katamatite, Katamatite East, Katunga, Muckatah, Naring, Yarroweyah and Yarroweyah South.

A reminder that a community meeting will be held at Katamatite Recreation Reserve at 4pm on Saturday, January 10.

It will also be livestreamed via the Moira Shire Council Facebook page.

The emergency relief centre at the stadium in Campbell Rd, Cobram, will close at 3pm on Saturday, January 10.

Affected residents requiring assistance or information can visit the Moira Recovery Information Centre at 3/29 Station St, Cobram (opposite the Shire office).

It will be open from Sunday, January 11, initially until Friday, January 16, between 10am and 2pm each day. Call the centre on 0477 796 975.

Emergency relief payments

Victorian Government support

Emergency relief payments are available for eligible people affected by the January 2026 fires.

Payments are based on a fixed amount for each member of your household. The payment is not calculated based on how much money you earn.

Payments are $680 per adult and $340 per child, up to a maximum of $2380 per eligible family.

You can apply for an emergency relief payment if your principal place of residence was damaged or destroyed by the fires and you can’t live in it, or your principal place of residence was in an evacuation warning area and you evacuated your property, and you have unmet immediate relief needs.

A support officer from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing can help you apply for emergency relief support.

Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 (press 0, then 1 to talk to someone).

VFF activates disaster relief fund to help devastated bushfire impacted farmers

The Victorian Farmers Federation has activated its disaster relief fund to provide immediate, farmer-led support to producers impacted by the catastrophic bushfires burning across Victoria.

With a State of Disaster declared across 18 local government areas, more than 300,000 hectares burnt, and farmers reporting devastating losses of livestock, homes, equipment and fodder, the VFF is calling on all Australians to support the recovery by donating and lending a helping hand to the fund.

Donations can be made online at www.vff.org.au/donations or by cheque made out to ‘VFF Disaster Relief Fund’ to the Victorian Farmers Federation, 24 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

UPDATE, 3.20PM:

144,000 hectares burnt

A spokesperson at the State Control Centre said the Longwood fire has now burnt through 144,000 hectares.

More than 300 firefighters have fought the fire, in more than 100 appliances.

The fire is now being managed in four different sections – Longwood, Alexandra, Yea, and Mansfield.

Some more information about the fire burning at Yarroweyah.

The fire is burning along the Benalla-Tocumwal Rd between the Murray Valley Hwy and Powerline Rd.

While the fire has been contained, it is still not yet under control.

More than 20 fire trucks remain on scene fighting the fire.

Over the course of the fire, 40 trucks have been on scene.

UPDATE: 2.45pm

Total fire ban for Sunday

A total fire ban has been declared for Victoria tomorrow, Sunday, January 11.

A statewide ban has been in place since Friday due to the catastrophic fire conditions and will remain, despite cooler conditions tomorrow.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the TFB has been declared because thousands of firefighters are on the ground battling fires across Victoria.

“There is a lot of fire in the landscape and it’s important we reduce any risks, which is why the statewide Total Fire Ban is staying in place,” he said.

“Conditions have eased but we have a long way to go to get the current fire situation under control.’’

For more information on what you can and can't do visit the Can I or Can't I page on the CFA website.

Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information.

Transport Alert: Hume Fwy has been re-opened

The Hume Fwy has been re-opened in both directions between Seymour and Violet Town, following a lengthy closure due to bushfires.

Transport Victoria thanks motorists for their patience as emergency services fought the fire, cleared fallen trees and debris and made the freeway safe to re-open.

Transport Victoria provides real-time traffic conditions and the latest public transport information at transport.vic.gov.au

UPDATE: 12.50pm

Community meetings

There will be a community meeting on the Yarroweyah/Muckatah fire today at 4pm.

The meeting will be at Katamatite Recreation Reserve, Moore St, Katamatite.

This meeting will be livestreamed on the Moira Shire Council Facebook Page, and we will share on the VicEmergency - Hume page.

Staff members from CFA, Victoria Police and Moira Shire will be in attendance to provide information in respect of yesterday’s fire event in the area.

A stay informed notice has been issued for Muckatah, Yarroweyah South, Cobram East, Katamatite, Katamatite East, Katunga, Naring and Yarroweyah.

The grass fire at Yarroweyah is contained and there is currently no threat, but residents are asked to stay informed and monitor conditions.

***

There will be community meetings on the Ravenswood-Fogartys Gap Rd Fire on today.

Meetings will be held at Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 Lyttleton St, Castlemaine, at 3pm and Kyneton Town Hall, 129 Mollison St, Kyneton, at 5pm.

These meetings will be livestreamed and shared on the VicEmergency - Loddon Mallee page.

Emergency warnings continue

A number of emergency warnings remain in place for fires across the state.

Take shelter now orders have been issued for Tallangatta Valley, Bullioh, Koetong, Shelley, Berrignama, Lucyval and surrounds and Nariel Valley, Cudgewa, Corryong, Towong, Thowgla Valley, Biggara and surrounds.

Take shelter notices also applies for many towns affected by the Longwood fire. A wind change on Friday caused the fire to change direction to the east towards Lake Eildon.

While fire behaviour has reduced, the fire is not contained and is still spreading.

This fire is threatening homes and lives. It is too dangerous to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now .

The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.

Keep an eye on the VicEmergency site for regular updates.

Power outages across state

More than 4000 Powercor customer are without power Many of the outages are directly due to fires, with crews working to restore power.

Some 180 customers around the Cobram/Muckatah/Yarroweyah area are without power.

And more than 26,000 Ausnet customers are without power, with 8000 in affected areas.

Many of the other outages are storm related.

UPDATE, 12.20pm:

Cobram and Tocumwal fire tankers caught in burnovers

In the press conference, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan spoke briefly about several fire trucks that had to enact their burn-over procedures on the fire grounds.

It appears the Cobram CFA and Tocumwal Rural Fire Service tankers were caught up in some of them.

In a post on the Cobram Fire Brigade’s Facebook page in the early hours of this morning, Cobram captain Matt Dehne said the Cobram and Tocumwal tankers were involved in burnovers – which he described as the “most dangerous situations firefighters can face on the fireground”.

Mr Dehne said both tankers issued mayday calls as fire impacted their vehicles.

“Thanks to the outstanding training received by all CFA and RFS members, both crews correctly implemented burnover procedures, actions that ultimately saved lives,” he said.

“We were incredibly fortunate to have air support on scene, which was able to drop water over the tankers.

“As a result, all crew members walked away with nothing more than some shock — and one hell of a story to tell.

“After being given the all-clear, both crews quickly swung back into action.”

“As captain, I am immensely proud of the Cobram crew and how they handled such an extremely dangerous situation. I could not be prouder.

“Ex-captain Adrian Hilder was the crew leader at the time, and it was his quick thinking, training, and decisive actions that helped save the lives of both the Cobram and Tocumwal tanker crews.”

UPDATE, 11.50am

We have just heard from authorities in a State Control Centre media conference.

Here are some of out take-aways from the press conference.

Forest Fire Management Victoria’s chief fire officer Chris Harmand has warned that in mid-January we are looking to the next fire spike day, and has asked everyone to stay vigilant and focused.

10 major fires

Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said there were still 10 major fires in Victoria.

He has asked people to continue to focus on emergency warnings and heed them.

Three firefighters injured and fire truck destroyed

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said three firefighters have received major injuries and have been taken to hospital in Melbourne.

One man has a severely injured hand, sustained in the Longwood fire and was taken to hospital.

A CFA member at a fire near Horsham was hit in face with hose and taken to Melbourne with their injuries, while an interstate firefighter with pre-existing condition was also airlifted to hospital in Melbourne.

“All three firefighters are doing just fine,” Mr Heffernan said.

He has also said that some crews had been isolated on fire grounds from falling trees in the past day.

A strike team at the Longwood fire was unable to get out and had to spend overnight in a community in accommodation, and Mr Heffernan thanked those who helped them.

Mr Heffernan also said a CFA tanker was destroyed by fire yesterday on the Longwood fire.

The crew was able to get out safely, but the vehicle was destroyed, he said.

Three missing people found safe

Deputy Commissioner Mike Bush has spoken of a man who died in Harcourt, near Bendigo.

Dept Comm Bush said CFA and ambulance staff found him deceased in a paddock, but said the cause of his death doesn’t seem directly related to the fire.

In good news, the three people reported as missing yesterday have been found safe and well, Dept Comm said.

While yesterday they were reported as two adults and a child, Dept Comm said they were actually three adults.

The trio have been located safe and are well in Benalla.

A journalist at the press conference also asked about reports that two people have been found alive in a container at Longwood, but Dept Comm Bush said he could not confirm any details other than to say he believed they had been found.

More than 200 fires yesterday

Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said emergency services responded to more than 200 grass and scrub fires yesterday.

Eleven of these became major fires, and 10 remain major fires today.

Many of them will continue to burn for days, if not weeks, Mr Wiebusch said.

He said more than 240 warnings issued across the state yesterday, but said that potential impact zone maps that were put up yesterday were now being taken down.

Structures lost in Longwood, Yarroweyah and Ravenswood fires

Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said authorities knew of 30 structures that have been lost in the Longwood fire, but it is not known yet as to what sort of structures they were.

There have also been significant livestock loss, as well as cropping land or vineyards impacted or lost in this fire.

In the Yarroweyah fire, 10 structures have been lost, as well as grazing and cropping areas.

In the Ravenswood/Harcourt area, 50 structures have been lost.

Mr Wiebusch also spoke of bolstered firefighting numbers.

He said 160 fire personnel had been brought in from interstate in recent days, with 32 more due today.

He said he has also asked more more resources both nationally and internationally to be brought in over the next month.

Immediate relief payments available

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has thanked those who followed advice of leaving if they were told to leave yesterday, and has urged people to continue to take the advice.

She has also thanked the fire fighters who worked through the evening yesterday.

“They’ve worked thorough smoke, heat, exhaustion to protect the communities,” Ms Allan said.

“These Victorians are the best of Victorians.”

Ms Allan has announced support for communities, including personal hardship payments to all fire affected communities for immediate relief.

These are for things such as clothing or medication, and are available through Emergency Vic hotline and relief centres.

Minister Kristy McBain has announced one-off maximum relief payments of $2380 per family.

A media conference will be held at 10.30am on today, Saturday, January 10, at the State Control Centre media centre to update all on the fire conditions.

State of Disaster declared

Overnight, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan declared a State of Disaster for 18 fire-affected local government areas, including Moira Shire, and one alpine resort.

Following advice from the Emergency Services Minister and the Emergency Management Commissioner, Ms Allan made the declaration, which gives authorities extra powers to confront an emergency of extraordinary scale and danger.

The declaration allows authorities to order evacuations, control movement through dangerous areas, and act as decisively as possible.

Transport alert: service changes to Bendigo, Echuca, Swan Hill and Albury lines

There are significant impacts to V/Line services on the Bendigo, Echuca, Swan Hill and Albury lines due to bushfires that may impact services throughout the weekend.

No V/Line train or replacement coach services will be operating to Bendigo, Echuca, Swan Hill or Albury.

Please avoid travel on these lines while crews work to assess damage and restore full services.

Scheduled coaches connecting to stations on these lines that are still operating will not connect to a train or replacement service.

On the Seymour line, rain services are scheduled to run but due to fire activity in the region, services may be suspended at short notice. Check before you travel.

On the Shepparton line, train services are scheduled to run but due to fire activity in the region, services may be suspended at short notice. Check before you travel.

V/Line is receiving regular updates from emergency services, closely monitoring the changing conditions across the state and assessing any impacts to the network.

Transport Victoria reminds the community of the extreme danger of travelling in the current conditions. Roads may be closed and public transport routes may be cancelled at short notice.

Transport Victoria provides real-time traffic conditions and the latest public transport information at transport.vic.gov.au

FINAL UPDATE: 8.50pm, January 9

As the sun sets on a catastrophic day in Victoria, and the temperature in Echuca still hovers around 36.9ºC, we are logging off for the night.

Fires continue to burn in many locations across the state, from Walwa and Longwood, right across into the Mallee near Natimuk and Grass Flat, Castlemaine and Ravenswood, as well as fires scattered across Gippsland.

Leave now and take shelter emergency warnings are in place for many of these areas, with watch and act, stay informed warnings for others.

Firefighters from across Victoria, as well as interstate, will be kept busy overnight, with crews working around the clock to help save lives, homes and other assets.

More than 45 crews remain onsite at the Yarroweyah fire ground, 52 vehicles around Walwa, and crews with more than 150 vehicles at the Longwood fire. Thousands are spending the night away from their homes to help save others and for that, we say thank you.

There is plenty of smoke in the area in the Echuca-Moama area, with an air condition advice issued earlier in the evening. Take heed of the advice, especially if you have breathing issues.

Weather update

A severe weather warning for damaging winds has been issued for East Gippsland, North Central, West and South Gippsland and parts of Central, Northern Country and North East Forecast districts.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, gusty north-westerly winds have developed across the state, while a cool change is moving through the state has produced some thunderstorm activity.

Very hot temperatures in the north-westerly winds ahead of the change are increasing the risk for damaging wind gusts across the state during the afternoon and early evening.

Conditions have eased across the west of the state this evening, but the risk of damaging wind gusts is likely to persist over the alpine peaks until Saturday morning.

Updates will be available across the weekend. Stay safe, stay hydrated and keep cool.

UPDATE: 8.30pm

For those travelling to and from Melbourne, a stay informed notice has been issued for the Wallan and Beveridge area.

There is a grassfire near the Northern Hwy off-ramp from the Hume Fwy off-ramp between Wallan and Beveridge that is under control.

There is currently no threat to you, but you should stay informed and monitor conditions.

UPDATE: 7.30pm

Nathalia fire under control, Ravenswood South emergency warning

The grass fire north of Nathalia is now under control.

Fire crews remain on scene and will be for some time, but the threat to Nathalia is reduced.

Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.

***

An emergency warning has been issued for Elphinstone, Harcourt North, Metcalfe, Sedgwick, Sutton Grange.

There is a grass fire travelling from Fogarty Gap Rd, Ravenswood in an easterly direction, has crossed Calder Hwy and has impacted Mt Alexander that is not yet under control.

People at Elphinstone, Harcourt North, Metcalfe, Sedgwick and Sutton Grange should leave immediately.

When leaving the area, travel north towards Bendigo via the Sedgwick Rd or south towards Kyneton via the Sutton Grange Rd.

Elphinstone, Harcourt North, Metcalfe, Sedgwick and Sutton Grange could be impacted at any time. Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.

People in the area should travel to relief centres located at Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre at 4 Victoria St, Kyneton, and Bendigo Showgrounds in North Bendigo, accessible by Holmes Rd or the home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.

People in Mia Mia, Kimbolton and Lake Eppalock areas should stay informed. There is currently no threat to you by stay informed and monitor conditions.

UPDATE: 6.50pm

Air quality notice

An air quality community Information message has been issued for smoke across the entire state.

People might see or smell smoke in parts of Victoria, and smoke and ash from fires in the landscape may drift to far-reaching areas away from the fires.

There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required.

Your nose is an excellent smoke detector. If you can smell smoke, take the necessary precautions to protect your health. You can self-assess the air quality near you using https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/environmental-information/air-quality/smoke/smoke-your-health.

Take action to reduce your exposure to smoke and protect your health:

UPDATE: 6.28pm

Katamatite told to evacuate immediately, seek relief at Shepparton Showgrounds

Residents in Katamatite are being urged to evacuate immediately as a fast-moving grassfire approaches the town.

The fire, which started at Yarroweyah, has moved from Muckatah in a south-easterly direction and is expected to reach Katamatite within two hours.

Firefighters have been unable to stop the blaze.

Authorities warn it will be too dangerous to stay, and this emergency warning replaces the Watch and Act issued earlier this evening.

People in Katamatite should leave now and head south towards Shepparton where a relief centre is open at the Shepparton Showgrounds on High St.

What to do:

Leave immediately and take pets, medications, your phone and charger.

If you cannot leave, shelter indoors by closing all doors and windows, turning off cooling systems and staying in a room with two exits.

This warning is current until 7.30pm. After that time, evacuation may be life-threatening.

UPDATE: 6pm

Fires across the state continue

The Natimuk fire near Horsham had grown to 5000ha by 3.45pm, according to State Control Centre spokesman David Nugent.

A total of five ‘Watch and Act’, ‘Shelter Indoors Now’ and ‘Leave Immediately’ warnings are in place across the Natimuk, Wimmera and Horsham areas.

There are also fires raging near Skipton, with three emergency warnings currently in place and Mt Mercer, which has three emergency warnings across Meredith, Bamganie and Lethbridge.

There are also fires with emergency warnings in Mt Blackwood, the Castlemaine area and Mt Sarah, east of Mt Buller.

There is also a major fire in the north east corner of the state, which has nine emergency warnings including instructions to leave, evacuate and take shelter.

UPDATE: 5.45pm

Bamawm Extension Fire Brigade shares photo of Yarroweyah fire fleet

Earlier today, Bamawm Extension Fire Brigade shared a photo of of Strike Team 2070 — the team currently tackling the Yarroweyah fire.

They are joined by other Central North CFA units including from Torrumbarry, Kotta, Rochester, Pinegrove, Echuca, Echuca Village, Kyabram and Tongala.

There are more than 700 firefighters across the state fighting 40 active and out of control fires.

The Yarroweyah fire is being attended by 36 units.

The grassfire is now travelling from Muckatah in a south-easterly direction towards Katamatite.

For those in Katamatite, a ‘prepare to evacuate’ notice has been issued.

For those who you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you.

***

UPDATE: 5.20pm

Power outage affects Cobram, Muckatah, Yarroweyah residents

There is currently a power outage under investigation in Cobram, Muckatah and Yarroweyah.

Expected restoration time is 9pm.

An estimated 1154 people are affected by the power outage in Cobram, and an estimated 3777 are affected in Yarroweyah.

***

UPDATE: 5pm

Yarroweyah fire spreads

A Katamatite resident sent a footage of smoke from the Yarroweyah fire in the distance to the News at about 3pm.

Tongala, Kyabram, Echuca, Echuca Village, and Rochester CFA units were earlier deployed to stop the spread of a bushfire in Yarroweyah.

There is currently a Leave Immediately warning in place for Katamatite, Katunga, Muckatah, Naring, Yarroweyah, Yarroweyah South.

***

UPDATE: 3.55pm

‘Watch and Act’ notice issued for Nathalia residents as fire starts along Murray Valley Hwy

A ‘Watch and Act’ message has been issued for residents in Nathalia as a grass fire has become out of control.

Six CFA units are responding to the fire on Horners Rd, which started around 3.14pm today.

The grass fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction from Horners Rd towards Nathalia.

The alert advises residents in Nathalia to stay close to a building where they can shelter.

It advises people to monitor changes, including wind direction. Residents who are away from home should not return.

***

UPDATE: 3.45pm

Weather update (yes - it’s still hot)

The temperature has hit the predicted peak temperature for the region, sitting at an uncomfortable 43°C.

Many Campaspe residents are flocking to pools and water channels to stay cool, while others prefer the comfort of sitting in front of an air conditioner.

The heat is predicted to persist overnight, cooling to 30°C by midnight.

Tomorrow is looking to be a bit cooler, with a forecast high of 29°C and low of 12°C.

Winds will be westerly 20 to 30km/h tending southwesterly 20 to 25km/h by tomorrow night.

Campaspe service centres and libraries will all close within the next couple of hours, but pools will remain open throughout the evening.

***

UPDATE: 3.04pm

Total Fire Ban declared for tomorrow as units continue to battle devastating fires

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Saturday, January 10 following a disastrous day of fires across the state.

A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban.

While tomorrow’s conditions will be cooler than today, with temperatures only expected to reach 29 C in Echuca; however, warm, strong winds are predicted.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the Total Fire Ban was declared due to multiple active fires following today's catastrophic conditions.

“Firefighters are battling multiple fires across Victoria in difficult conditions today with Extreme heat and strong winds.” Jason said.

“Crews have been working hard this week and today to protect their communities. We’re asking Victorians to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration.”

***

UPDATE: 2.46pm

Leave immediately warning issued for Yarroweyah grassfire

CFA issued an Emergency Warning at 2.27pm for Katamatite, Katunga, Muckatah, Naring, Yarroweyah and Yarroweyah South, with authorities urging people in the area to leave immediately.

This replaces the earlier Watch and Act warning issued at 1.40pm.

A fast-moving grassfire is burning from the Murray Valley Hwy towards Muckatah and is not yet under control.

What to do:

Those unable to leave should shelter inside, closing all doors and windows and turning off cooling systems. Extreme heat can harm you before flames arrive.

UPDATE: 2.09pm

WATCH: Local CFA units join the fight in Yarroweyah

Tongala, Kyabram, Echuca, Echuca Village, and Rochester CFA units have been deployed to stop the spread of a bushfire in Yarroweyah this afternoon.

The grass fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction from Murray Valley Hwy along Benalla-Tocumwal Rd towards Macarther Rd.

As of 2pm, the bushfire was not under control.

A ‘Watch and Act, Stay Near Shelter’ message has been issued for residents in Cobram, Katamatite, Katunga, Muckatah, Naring, Yarroweyah, and Yarroweyah South.

If the situation changes you will need to leave quickly:

Residents are urged to monitor changes, including increased wind speed, change in wind direction, smoke or poor visibility that indicates the situation is changing.

Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.

***

UPDATE: noon

Echuca west fire declared safe, crews remain

The grass fire on Echuca-Mitiamo Rd at Echuca west has been declared safe.

As per VicEmergency, five CFA units remain monitoring the scene.

The advice notice is still in place, advising community members to be aware that smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.

***

UPDATE: 11.15am

Grass fire on Echuca-Mitiamo Rd

Emergency services are responding to a fire on Echuca-Mitiamo Rd, Echuca West, which started this morning.

Ten CFA units are on the scene tackling the grass fire, with crews working to contain the blaze since it started at 10.53am near the corner of Restdown Rd.

While crews are still working to bring the fire under control, it remains classified as ‘small’ on the VicEmergency app.

The fire is travelling from Echuca West in a southerly direction, with smoke is visible from the district.

Community members have been advised there is currently no immediate threat, but residents should stay informed and continue monitoring conditions.

***

UPDATE: 11am

Moama RFS crew heading to Longwood fire

Moama RFS has deployed a crew of four volunteers to battle the devastating Longwood fire threatening communities.

This morning, the Moama RFS announced on its Facebook page that a crew departed from Moama headed to Longwood to help fight the ongoing blaze.

AAP has reported that multiple family homes and a local school have been destroyed in the out-of-control bushfires, leaving communities devastated.

Moama Fire Brigade extended a thank you to the RFS volunteers who had given up their time to assist other areas in need.

“We also extend a big thank you to those staying home to ensure their own communities remain protected if required,” the message read.

“Thank you to the families who are without their loved ones, and to the workplaces that support and allow their staff to leave and help when needed.”

V/Line suspends all services across Catastrophic Fire Danger districts

V/Line has cancelled all train and coach services throughout the Campaspe region on Friday, January 9, due to extreme fire conditions.

No scheduled coach or replacement coach services will operate, including in Echuca, Bendigo and Shepparton.

Passengers are advised to stay up to date by checking the V/Line website or mobile app.

For information about service cancellations, click here: go.vline.com.au/4sNaftl

Pools and dams help fight fires, Echuca Fire Brigade

Echuca Fire Brigade has urged residents with dams and pools to help out fire volunteers by putting an A3 sign on their front gates with either ‘Pool’ or ‘Dam’ written on it.

This helps fire crews quickly access water to refill their trucks when fighting bushfires in areas where water supplies are limited.

Fire trucks need to be positioned close to these water sources to effectively pump water, making clear signage crucial for emergency response.

***

UPDATE: 10am

A statewide Total Fire Ban has been declared for Victoria today with Catastrophic Fire Danger ratings forecast for the South West, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central and Extreme Fire Danger in all other areas.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-40s, with strong gusts of winds of 30 to 50km/h expected, as well as a chance of thunderstorms in some parts of the state.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the safest place to be was away from high-risk areas such as campsites, parks and forests.

“Be prepared for fire, monitor conditions and know where to get information so you can make good decisions about your safety,” Mr Heffernan said.

“Don’t wait for an official warning before you leave, fires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes.

“Do not plan to defend your home on Catastrophic Fire Danger days — even well-prepared homes cannot withstand these conditions, and we may not be able to reach you.”

Girgarre Moosic Muster festival cancelled

The Girgarre Moosic Muster, scheduled to take place on January 7 to 11 was cancelled on Thursday, January 8 to prioritise community and volunteer safety.

Organiser Jan Smith broke the news to the attendees on Thursday, January 8.

She said it was a difficult decision to make, but one made supporting the local CFA volunteers, the festival volunteers and the wider community.

Changes to Campaspe Shire Council services

Campaspe Shire Council has announced various service updates to pools, libraries, childcare centres and community-led events in response to the Catastrophic Fire Danger for Friday, January 9.

Service centres and libraries will remain open; however, all library activities and events have been cancelled for the day.

Open hours for service centres and libraries include:

Outdoor pools and the Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre will be open, with measures in place to keep pool staff safe.

Operations of the pools can be reviewed at any time if it is deemed to be unsafe to remain open.

Campaspe Animal Services will be closed to the public all day, but will be staffed for care of animals.

Campaspe Community Childcare Centre and Rochester Early Learning will be closed on Friday in line with council’s Service Delivery Plan for days declared as Catastrophic Fire Danger.

All maternal and child health services will be delivered via telephone only, with no centre or home visits taking place. Face-to-face appointments will be rescheduled.

Scenic Drive Trail is closed on days of Catastrophic and Extreme Fire Danger in Northern Country district.

More to come.