Woodend CFA

29/01/2026

Your drone footage is not worth more than our members’ lives

Aerial firefighting at the Katarapko fire was forced to stop after an illegal recreational drone was spotted overhead.

That one drone grounded aircraft, delayed firefighting, and put air crews at serious risk.

This is the third drone incident this month.

Drones can collide with aircraft causing catastrophic consequences.

👉 If you fly, we can’t. Keep drones well away from firegrounds.

28/01/2026

WOODEND OFF ON ANOTHER STRIKE TEAM
January is proving to be a very busy start to the year. Woodend Tanker 1 has been called to form up as part of Strike Team 0215. They are off to the Lismore fire and will be working overnight, hopefully returning home tomorrow afternoon. Stay safe team.

28/01/2026

Due to the recent wind change, smoke from the fire in Carlisle River is currently drifting across Werribee & surrounding areas.
Please only call Triple Zero if you see flames 🔥

📷 Forest Fire Management Victoria & Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

28/01/2026

With 50°C forecast for parts of Australia, we explain what is causing this extreme, persistent heatwave and how it could be classified as a 'heat dome'.

27/01/2026

A huge thank you to the very generous community members who dropped off some food, drinks and icey poles whilst our volunteers were at the station for the TFB today. It was a much quieter day than recently, although we were called out to a motor vehicle accident. Enjoy the cooler weather as we return to the mid-30s on Friday. Remember to practice your Fire Plan. If you don't have one now is the time to start planning. Thank you!

27/01/2026

* VICTORIAN THUNDERSTORM FORECAST FOR TODAY, TUESDAY, 27TH JANUARY 2026 *

Isolated thunderstorms are possible over the western districts of Victoria today and in the western parts of the central districts.

Thunderstorms are most likely during the afternoon and evening, likely developing from the west and extending eastwards.

Thunderstorms are unlikely to produce any significant rainfall, but may be accompanied by some gustier winds.

Dry lightning is also a risk in all thunderstorms, as they will be associated with very little to no rainfall, bringing the chance of ignition of new fires.

26/01/2026

ANOTHER TFB - THIS TIME CONDITIONS ARE EXTREME ... AND WE ARE EXTREMELY READY!
It's going to be another very dangerous day. Woodend volunteers will be at the fire station today so we're ready to go if and when we're needed. Feel free to pop down to discuss your Fire Plan or if you have questions. You can also find us at the Woodend Farmer's Market each month during summer.

26/01/2026

🇦🇺 Record high temperatures expected today.
Do not light any fires today!
Don't even fart!
It's too hot for man or beast. 🌡☀️🚒

26/01/2026

Victoria will continue to feel the impacts of the worst heatwave since 2009 today, with temperatures set to break records. In the Mallee, temperatures will reach the high 40s, while Melbourne and surrounds will hit the mid 40s.

With the heat impacting fire conditions, a statewide Total Fire Ban has been declared for today. No fires can be lit or allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12:01am - 11:59pm.

Today’s extreme fire danger conditions may see the Carlisle River fire in the Otways impact local communities.

Four Watch and Act – Evacuate Immediately warnings are in place for this fire. Yesterday, Victoria State Emergency Service and Victoria Police door-knocked homes and businesses within the warning area, urging residents to evacuate ahead of today’s challenging conditions.

Stay informed using multiple sources, including local radio emergency broadcasters.

Heatwave conditions will hang around until the weekend in the north of the state.

Heat can make anyone sick. It’s important to keep cool throughout the day and stay hydrated to avoid heat health impacts. For tips on staying safe in extreme heat, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat

For the latest emergency information, visit the VicEmergency app and set up a watch zone or visit emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

26/01/2026