Tarrington Rural Fire Brigade

16/02/2026

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
Mixx889
Mixx1063

12/02/2026

Tarrington Brigade will conduct a planned burn on Saturday, the 14th of February 2026, from 1300hrs, burning the Hamilton Hwy from Kurtzes Rd to West Boundary Rd, Tarrington, excluding the township.
Traffic Control will be in place; delays may be experienced due to poor visibility along the Hamilton Hwy caused by smoke.
CFA brigades conduct planned burns to reduce fuel build-up, minimising the impact and spread of grass and bushfire.
If you notice smoke in your area, you can find out whether it's a fire or a planned burn by visiting the Planned Burning Victoria website https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au, the Vic Emergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au, or by using the Vic Emergency app.

06/01/2026

Tomorrow, 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

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

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

13/11/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100064320836536/posts/762672535886767/?mibextid=cr9u03

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin at 01.00am on Monday, November 20 for CFA’s South West region, including the following municipalities in District’s 4, 5, 6 and 7.

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

The El Niño weather pattern means Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer than recent years, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a Bushfire Survival Plan.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer South West Adrian Gutsche said the Fire Danger Period was being introduced due to the drying conditions in the forest areas of South West Region.

“This includes all the areas associated with District 4, 5, 6 and 7,” he said.

“Communities may still see some green conditions across grassed areas however the underlying grass conditions are conducive to carrying fire. With the dryness of the forest, there is the risk that if fires start they will take hold in forested areas hence the implementation of the Fire Danger Period.”

While CFA’s 52,000 members are poised to respond and support communities this bushfire season, they’re urging people to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.

Residents in the South West region are asked to take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up their properties and for landowners to conduct safe private burn-offs where possible.

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.

By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.

There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.
Fire Danger Period information:

• A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au. It can also be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office.
• Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can.
• Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms.
• More information about FDPs is available online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod.
• To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

03/04/2023

Tarrington Fire Brigade members will be collecting around Tarrington this coming Friday morning from 9am for the RCH Good Friday Appeal. Please keep an eye out for them & donate to this great cause.
Hello! Tarrington

16/03/2021

GLENELG HWY, Warrayure and Tarrington - Planned Burn Friday March 19th

30/01/2020

19/10/2019

Finally after over two years of waiting for our tanker two to be replaced from the unfortunate rollover, our brand new spanker tanker is in service. With around 25 active members trained to use this modern medium tanker we're ready to roll out as a team full of pride.

19/09/2019

After over two years of waiting for our new brigade tanker to replace the brigade owned one which was involved in an accident, it's finally here!!! Our members are in the process of familiarizing themselves with it and once we have enough competent members it will be in service. There's a lot of very happy members.

11/07/2019

This would make the job easier......

04/11/2018

The first group of members completed their compulsory burn over training, which is a twelve monthly requirement. It is essential to be able to draft water and use the crew protection, not only for safety sake but also to check that the equipment is working properly.