09/01/2026
🔥 Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating today - Please be prepared 🔥
Today’s conditions mean the risk of bushfire is extremely high. If you live in a bushfire risk area, leaving early is always the safest option. Understand your triggers for leaving and don’t wait until it’s too late.
If you can’t leave, it’s important to understand your options. We’d like to remind the community that Bushfire Places of Last Resort (BPLR) and Emergency Relief Centres (ERC) are very different.
Bushfire Places of Last Resort (BPLR) should only be used as a last resort if your plan fails, not a relocation point when leaving early. Bushfire Places of Last Resort are selected and audited in conjunction with the CFA and their rules and regulations, not all open spaces can be considered Bushfire Places of Last Resort.
BPLRs are designated open spaces that intend to reduce radiant heat exposure, but people may still be exposed to smoke, heat and embers. There are also no staff or emergency services at these locations.
🔗 Full list of BPLR locations: https://go.bendigo.vic.gov.au/BPLR
Emergency Relief Centres will only open in our region as directed and locations will be communicated at the time. If activated, these locations will have resources and staff to assist the community.
You can stay informed with updates from trusted resources like VicEmergency, CFA and SES through the City’s Emergency Dashboard, which includes:
• Real-time warnings and weather updates
• Road closures and community alerts
• Emergency Relief Centres (when activated)
• Bushfire Places of Last Resort
• Easy links to preparedness and recovery resources
• Mobile-friendly design for quick access on your phone
Emergency dashboard:
🔗 https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/emergency
Other helpful resources:
🔗 Advice on leaving early: cfa.vic.gov.au/leaveearly
🔗 Understanding your bushfire risk: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/bushfire-basics
🔗 Pets and bushfires: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-and-during-a-fire/pets-and-bushfires
🔗 Managing horses and livestock in emergencies: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/emergency-animal-welfare/horses-and-livestock-in-emergencies
Most importantly: stay safe, keep cool, and remember - leaving early is always the safest option.
