Major grass fires across state

On the morning of Thursday, 18 December 2025 CFA crews responded to a grass and scrub fire in Goomalibee, 15km north-west of Benalla.  

Conditions were hot and windy and crews knew they had a challenge on their hands as the blaze was spreading rapidly in an easterly direction.  

Incident Controller Peter Bell said at the height of the incident there were about 200 firefighters working on the ground assisted by 11 aircraft including two of the Large Air Tankers which responded out of Avalon airport.  

“Our main concern was pulling it up before the Midland Highway,” Peter said. 

“Crews did a fantastic job, and even though we lost one house, the number of houses they saved was astronomical. 

“One of the biggest concerns was a low water supply so we were able to bring in one of the new bulk water tankers which was a huge help.” 

Two Emergency Warnings were issued for the Goomalibee fire on Thursday afternoon.  

The first instructed people east of the fire front to shelter indoors now and the second Emergency Warning issued just before 2pm asked people east of the original warning to leave immediately and travel south towards Benalla. 

Crews were thankful for an afternoon wind change which was significantly weaker than expected, allowing them to halt the spread of the fire to the west of Broken River, about 10km east from where the fire started.  

The fire was declared under control on Friday morning with crews working throughout the weekend to ensure no reignitions occurred.  

The fire burned about 1600 hectares in total and was caused by a mechanical header operating in a paddock.  

The other major fire started in Charlton in the state’s north west and crossed the Avoca River on Thursday afternoon.  

This fire tore through more than 2,800 hectares before crews were able to contain it and get it under control by Thursday night. 

More than 40 appliances and aircraft worked on the blaze and multiple warnings were issued before the Watch and Act – Stay Near Shelter warning was downgraded to an Advice – Threat is Reduced.  

Chief Officer Jason Heffernan thanked everyone who heeded the warnings.  

“While we acknowledge there were losses and these will no doubt have huge impacts on those affected, we are thankful no one lost their life in any fire,” Jason said.  

“It is a timely reminder to make sure you have the VicEmergency app downloaded and a watch zone set up for wherever you will be over the holidays. 

“Have your fire plan ready and know what you are going to do on extreme and catastrophic days. 

“We are also once again urging farmers to ensure they follow all the advice surrounding hay and harvest fire safety.”