Catastrophic fire danger - Friday, Jan 9, 2026

Published on 08 January 2026

Catastrophic fire danger is forecasted for Wimmera district on Friday, 9th January 2026. This includes West Wimmera Shire.

Visit the CFA website for more information on how you can protect yourself and others. Please be aware of this and what you can and can't do. Due to several large bushfires burning in the area, emergency management resources are already stretched. Download the Vic Emergency app to keep up to date with any warnings or information. Stay informed. Stay safe

Council services effected:

Customer service centers in Kaniva and Edenhope OPEN
Transfer stations CLOSED
Libraries at Edenhope, Goroke, Harrow, and Kaniva OPEN
Swimming pools at Edenhope, Goroke, and Kaniva CLOSED
Maternal and Child Health services LIMITED

Parks closures:

Parks Victoria has CLOSED several national parks, including Little Desert National Park and Grampians National Park. AVOID forest areas. For full closures, visit Parks Victoria.

In this critical situation, prioritising safety and adhering to the provided guidelines is paramount. Stay vigilant and stay connected for further updates.

What is a catastrophic fire danger rating?

Catastrophic is the highest level of rating in Victoria and it signifies the worst conditions for grassfires or bushfires. A catastrophic rating means that if a fire were to start:

It will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving.
Fire services will find it difficult to put out.
There is a high likelihood that people in the path of a fire will be killed or seriously injured.
Homes are not designed or constructed to withstand in these conditions - even the best prepared homes will not be safe.
Leaving high risk bushfire areas the night before a Code Red Day or early in the morning of a Code Red Day is the safest option for your survival – do not wait and see.