Woodend CFA

14/03/2026

Burning off Safely

12/03/2026

FIRE RESTRICTIONS ARE STILL IN FORCE
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) is still in force in the Macedon Ranges, which means you cannot burn off without a permit. Just because summer has now finished doesn't mean the FDP has ended. The Restrictions are scheduled to stay in force until the end of April, unless notified earlier. Now is also the time to start thinking about your Fire Plan when the FDP is lifted and how and when to burn off safely.

11/03/2026

WOODEND CFA BOWLED OVER
Instead of bowling hoses at training last night, we went bowling! Thank you to the Woodend Bowling Club for a great team building session under lights.

06/03/2026

What are your plans when Fire Restrictions end? At this stage, they are still scheduled to last until the end of April. We understand that people will be keen to burn off after the long period of restrictions, so use the time now to plan ahead. Just because restrictions will end, doesn't mean you should burn off immediately. It is often a busy time for the Woodend CFA as people burn off quickly without proper care and preparation. Come and talk to us at the Market about your Plans.

06/03/2026

Keep your campfire safe

06/03/2026

ARE YOU GOING CAMPING THIS LONG WEEKEND?
Like many, camping might be on your plan and campfires serve a definite purpose when camping.
But did you know there are rules around where and when to light them during the Fire Danger Period in Victoria?
The wind must be less than 10 km/h. If you see leaves moving around, there is too much wind. Do not light a fire.
The campfire must only be lit in:
• A properly built fireplace of stone, metal or concrete or a trench at least 30cm deep.
• The campfire must be no larger than 1 metre by 1 metre.
• The area 3 metres around and above the campfire must be clear of anything that can burn.
• Never leave the fire alone. A person who can put out the fire must always stay by the fire.
• The campfire must be put out completely using water before you leave.
If you are in a State Forest or National Park, there might be other rules you need to know about, so find out before you head out.
On Total Fire Ban Days, you can’t light a campfire. Check the Fire Danger Ratings and consider leaving early if camping in a high fire risk area.
To find out more, visit Can I or Can't I? | CFA (Country Fire Authority)

02/03/2026

01/03/2026

🌧️ WHEN TO CALL SES DURING A STORM OR FLOOD 🌧️

During storms and flood events, volunteers from the Gisborne unit respond to requests for assistance right across our community. Knowing when to contact us helps ensure crews can prioritise jobs and get help where it’s needed most.

✅ Call SES on 132 500 for assistance with:
• Storm or wind damage to your home or property
• Roof damage or leaking roofs
• Fallen trees or branches causing damage or preventing you from leaving/entering your property
• Flooding impacting your property

🚨 Call Triple Zero (000) if the situation is life-threatening, including:
• Someone trapped or injured
• Rising floodwater posing immediate danger
• Electrical hazards or emergencies

❗ Important Reminder
Please DO NOT request assistance via social media or email. These platforms are not monitored 24/7, particularly during severe weather events, and your request may not be seen in time.

☎️ The quickest for way to request assistance for flood or storm emergencies is by calling 132 500.

📞 For life threatening emergencies, please call 000.

01/03/2026

⚠️ SEVERE WEATHER WARNING ⚠️
⚠️ HEAVY RAINFALL ⚠️

Warning - https://www.bom.gov.au/warning/severe-weather-warning/IDV21037

SES ☎️ - 132 500

Want to know if a road is closed due to the severe weather? Visit https://traffic.transport.vic.gov.au/

Image: BoM

27/02/2026

27/02/2026

That’s not snow! That’s inches of hail at Mt.Macedon, Victoria after a fierce summer hail storm that moved through yesterday and last night the hail was still laying on the ground.

Mellisa Carson 📸