General News
9 January, 2026
Danger Day
FIRE brigades from across the district are bracing themselves with today’s weather conditions predicted to have all the ingredients for one of the most dangerous fire days in recent memory. With predictions of soaring heat, strong winds and bone-dry vegetation, volunteers will be on standby in case fires break out. Fire authorities have declared today a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating for the Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central districts — including all of Ararat Rural City, Northern Grampians Shire and Pyrenees Shire. They warn that if a fire starts and takes hold, lives and homes are at risk.
A Total Fire Ban was issued yesterday morning meaning no fires can be lit or allowed to remain alight in the open air.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said government and volunteer brigades cannot meet this threat alone.
“A Catastrophic fire danger rating means fires are unpredictable and uncontrollable,” he said, “We need the community to play their role alongside our emergency services to protect lives and property.
“Prepare now and enact your bushfire survival plan. If you are in an area of forecast Catastrophic fire danger, leave early to an area with a lower fire risk.”
Moyston CFA Captain Alistair Mason said his volunteers were hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.
“Everyone is ready and we have crews organised for the long haul.
“The Grampians is always the biggest concern we have, admittedly this year all that’s burnt up to Halls Gap, there’s been a lot of grass growth, there’s a lot of potential for running grass fires,” he said.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting temperatures reaching into the low to mid-40s across western and northern Victoria today, with hot, dry northerly winds that will only heighten fire behaviour.
This combination — searing heat, low humidity, and strengthening winds — can turn even a small spark into a rapidly spreading emergency. Fuel loads across regional Victoria are exceptionally dry after weeks of heat, meaning fires can ignite easily and move swiftly.
Read More: Amphitheatre, Ararat, Avoca, Beaufort, Buangor, Concongella, Elmhurst, Evansford, Glenorchy, Great Western, Halls Gap, Lake Bolac, Landsborough, Lexton, Marnoo, Willaura, Skipton, Redbank, Moonambel, Maroona, Moyston, Pomonal, Snake Valley, Stawell, Streatham, Waubra