Great Western Fire Brigade

21/04/2026

07/04/2026

The Fire Danger Period across Northern Grampians Shire Council will now be lifted as of 1am Monday, April 13, 2026.

Please ensure you continue to follow safe burning practices as conditions around the shire are still very dry and will continue to present fire risks until we experience heavier rainfall and ongoing cooler climates.

28/03/2026

The Torchlight Parade 🔦 in Stawell tonight, part of the CFA / VFBV Firefighter State Championships - Celebrating CFA which concludes tomorrow at North Park.

05/03/2026

If you’re a farmer and looking to burn off stubble, please ensure you apply for a permit to burn. Despite recent heavy rainfall, it’s still extremely dry out there with plenty of fuel around.

Agricultural land holders within the Ararat Rural City Council, Pyrenees Shire Council and Northern Grampians Shire Council (CFA District 16) boundaries are encouraged to apply for a permit to burn.
https://firepermits.vic.gov.au/

07/01/2026

Further to our update yesterday regarding Friday’s predicted forecast, it has now been declared a catastrophic fire danger day in the Wimmera with an index over 100.

We cannot stress how seriously our community should take this warning. Know your fire plan and where you will go in the event you need to leave.

06/01/2026

This coming Friday is looking to be a really challenging weather day so please monitor conditions in your area and minimise your movements if you can. It’s going to be extremely warm for the next 3 days so stay indoors if possible and check on your family, friends and neighbours until conditions ease.

Remember to check the VicEmergency app and follow VicEmergency - Grampians for all important updates.

17/12/2025

It’s going to be very hot out there today folks. Please try to stay indoors and keep cool. And don’t forget to check on your pets and livestock too.

Today a Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Wimmera Fire District.

No fires can be lit, or be allowed to remain alight, in the open air from 12:01 AM until 11:59 PM.

Find out what you can and can't do: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can

03/12/2025

Last night we headed out to a local farmers paddock and ran some training drills. It was a good opportunity to show our new recruits how to keep the hose on a fire line but chasing a moving target.

A reminder that today is a total fire ban in the Wimmera so please know what you can and can’t do - https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-i

10/11/2025

A reminder to local residents that the Fire Danger Period started in our shire last night.

It’s important we all do our part to keep our community safe by understanding what you can and can’t do now restrictions are in place.

One thing you can’t do is light an open fire without an appropriate permit 🔥

Please visit the CFA website to find out more - https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-it

02/03/2025

Well, that's another summer season done here in Great Western and surrounds. But we kindly remind the community the threat of fire is not over and to remain vigilant for few more weeks yet. Not until we get some significant rainfall across our very dry backyard.

It was a tough and challenging period across the region with our amazing local volunteers fronting up for numerous callouts over the past 4 months. Most notably the fire events across the Grampians which saw us head out to Mafeking, Moyston, Halls Gap, and Fyans Creek to name a few. We also helped support the Little Dessert fire and had a couple of local events that we were able to quickly manage and maintain.

We're a small but mighty team who would love to see more new faces around the shed if anyone is interested. You can get involved as little or as much as you like, so please let us know if you ever want to have a chat.

To our team who showed up this season, thank you. You know who you are ❤️