CFA Kirkstall Fire Brigade

18/05/2026

Huge congratulations to CFA Kirkstall Fire Brigade members Brad Humphrys and Phil Marney recognised for their time dedicated to CFA Belfast Group with National Medal & Clasps last Friday night.
Their leadership and experience is greatly appreciated by the brigade and Kirkstall community.

A wonderful evening with the Belfast Group on Friday night at the Victoria Hotel in Port Fairy, recognising the outstanding service and commitment of current Group Management Team members.

It was a privilege to present awards acknowledging many years of dedication to CFA and the local community.

Congratulations to:
* Max Humphrys – National Medal 3rd & 4th Clasps and 60-Year CFA Service Award
* Alex Egan – National Medal and 20-Year CFA Service Award
* Alan Vaughan – National Medal and 1st Clasp
* Brad Humphrys – National Medal and 1st Clasp
* Phil Marney – National Medal and 1st & 2nd Clasps

Thank you to the Belfast Group for your continued leadership, commitment, and support to brigades and communities across the region.

📸 L–R: ACFO David Ferguson, Belfast Group Officer Phil Marney, Group Training Coordinator Alan Vaughan, DGO Brad Humphrys, Group Secretary Alex Egan, Group Comms Officer Max Humphrys, DCO Adrian Gutsche and Catchment Commander Troy Cleverley.

30/04/2026

Your burn-off is your responsibility. For more information, visit
www.cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff

Want to help out our firefighters after one of Victoria’s busiest bushfire seasons on record? 🔥

This time of year, our crews regularly respond to private burn-offs that either become out of control or haven’t been registered with authorities. It means volunteers are needlessly called out when they should be spending more time with their families.

So, if you’re planning a burn-off in the next few days while the rain stays away, do our firies a favour:

✅ The quickest and easiest way to register your burn-off is online at firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511 if you plan to burn in the next 2 hours.

❌ Never leave your burn unattended until it’s fully extinguished.

🌦️ Check fire restrictions and weather conditions.

☎️ Be a good neighbour and let them know there could be smoke nearby.

24/04/2026

11/04/2026

The current Fire Danger Period for Moyne Shire ends 1AM 20 April 2026.

The Fire Danger Period has been amended for the following municipalities, and will now be lifted as of 1:00am Monday 20 April 2026:
Moyne Shire Council
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Warrnambool City Council
Colac Otway Shire Council
Corangamite Shire Council

For more information and a full list of municipalities and dates: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod

16/02/2026

Today, Tue, 17 Feb 2026 has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban in the Wimmera, South West, North Central, Central (includes Melbourne and Geelong) and West and South Gippsland district(s) of Victoria.

No fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12:01 AM on Tue, 17 Feb 2026 until 11:59 PM Tue, 17 Feb 2026.

Source: CFA South West

16/02/2026

Total Fire Ban for 17 Feb 2026

Tomorrow, Tue, 17 Feb 2026 has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban in the Wimmera, South West, North Central, Central (includes Melbourne and Geelong) and West and South Gippsland district(s) of Victoria.

No fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12:01 AM on Tue, 17 Feb 2026 until 11:59 PM Tue, 17 Feb 2026.

Glenelg Shire Council
Moyne Shire Council
Warrnambool City Council
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Corangamite Shire Council
Colac Otway Shire Council
Surf Coast Shire Council
Golden Plains Shire Council
City of Greater Geelong
Borough of Queenscliffe

16/02/2026

Have you checked your burn pile lately?

Residents in the south west of the state are being urged to check burn-off piles and bonfires as old as six months, following response from CFA volunteers to recent flare-ups.

Burning off is not permitted during the Fire Danger Period (FDP) without a permit; however, flare-ups are possible in piles that were burned before the FDP began.

On Saturday 7 February, CFA responded to a fire that ignited from a bonfire lit six months prior.

The reignition spread quickly to a nearby shed and unfortunately the shed could not be saved.

Luckily, crews were able to protect surrounding paddocks, plantations and the nearby home.

Deputy Chief Officer for South West Region Adrian Gutsche said given recent conditions landowners need to do everything they can to help prevent further start-ups of potentially devastating fires.

"We know burn-offs can flare up months down the track, so it's important residents are consistently monitoring wind conditions.

"Poorly managed pile burns can pose a bushfire risk and endanger lives, property and the environment. A simple check could save a lot of grief.”

It is possible for heat to be retained in stumps, large branches, or other bigger materials for months, if fire is not properly extinguished.

These piles can smoulder and then reignite in dry, windy conditions.

"Ultimately you are responsible for any fire you light and if it escapes you may be liable for the damage it causes,” Adrian said.

“All piles should be broken apart, spread out, and soaked to extinguish any smouldering material.”

Residents should always:

❗️Check local conditions and weather forecasts, including wind changes

❗️Ensure burn-offs are fully extinguished and continue monitoring piles

❗️Have a written permit to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP.

Glenelg Shire Council
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Moyne Shire Council
Warrnambool City Council
Corangamite Shire Council
Colac Otway Shire Council
Surf Coast Shire Council
Golden Plains Shire Council
City of Greater Geelong
Borough of Queenscliffe
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07/01/2026

Tomorrow, Fri, 9 Jan 2026 has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban for the whole State of Victoria.
No fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12:01 AM on Fri, 9 Jan 2026 until 11:59 PM Fri, 9 Jan 2026.
Find out what you can and can't do during the declared Fire Danger Period, and on days of Total Fire Ban, when fires in the open air are legally restricted.
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-i
CFA South West CFA (Country Fire Authority) VicEmergency

07/01/2026

🔥 Extreme & Catastrophic Fire Danger Days Ahead 🔥

Over the coming days, large parts of our state will face Extreme and Catastrophic fire danger ratings.

These ratings aren’t just numbers—they’re your trigger to take action.

👉 Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire could be if one starts.
They help you make informed decisions to protect yourself, your family, your animals, and your community.

🌏 The rating system is the same across Australia, so whether you’re at home or travelling, you’ll see the same clear categories and guidance.

Each rating comes with simple, direct actions you can take to reduce your risk. Please take a moment to check the rating for your area and plan accordingly.

Stay aware. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

06/01/2026

Today, Wed, 7 Jan 2026 has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban in the Wimmera, South West and Central (includes Melbourne and Geelong) district(s) of Victoria.

No fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12:01 AM on Wed, 7 Jan 2026 until 11:59 PM Wed, 7 Jan 2026.

Find out what you can and can't do during the declared Fire Danger Period, and on days of Total Fire Ban, when fires in the open air are legally restricted.
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-i

*Fire Danger Ratings can change, it is up to you to stay informed.

Today, Wed, 7 Jan 2026 has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban in the Wimmera, South West and Central (includes Melbourne and Geelong) district(s) of Victoria.

No fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12:01 AM on Wed, 7 Jan 2026 until 11:59 PM Wed, 7 Jan 2026.