General News
12 October, 2026
Fire season is coming, says CFA
A wet lead-up has given the Wimmera strong crops, but has also provided plenty of fuel.
Lindsay Barry, CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer at District 17, said the region's fire danger period traditionally starts earlier than the rest of the state.
This year, the rain has increased the risk.
"We've had significant fine fuel growth, not only in the forest areas, but really good conditions through the agricultural sector," Mr Lindsay said.
That growth leads straight into a big harvest.
"Harvest inherently has a level of risk," he said.
Mr Lindsay said with hay season underway, farmers should keep fire suppression equipment handy.
Hay should not be baled too green, and higher-moisture bales should be set aside rather than stacked.
A haystack fire can be large and costly. It hits the community that responds, and the farmer who loses the hay.
"Everyone who lives in a rural setting should definitely have equipment that is suitable for suppression of fire, within their skill and ability," he said on farmers building firefighting units.
"Helping your community in a time of need is part of country and urban life."
Mr Lindsay said it just has to be done safely, and alongside the fire agency.
“We have seen, over the past three years, significant fires on bad fire days impact the rural-urban interface,” he said.
Advice for keeping your home and community fire safe: clean your gutters, clear around the house, move woodstacks away, and keep grass below 100 millimetres.
"These very simple things put us in a really good place as a community," Mr Lindsay said.
During a fire danger period, you need a written permit to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds, or other vegetation. Apply at firepermits.vic.gov.au.
Lighting a fire in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months' imprisonment.
Register burn-off activities at firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify.
If you need to start within two hours, call 1800 668 511.
Farmers can find guidance at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms. To check what you can and can't do, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.