General News
13 April, 2026
Access track ‘barricade’ hampers firies
LOGS across a fire access track daubed with anti-duck hunting graffiti hampered volunteer firefighters on Good Friday.
LOGS across a fire access track daubed with anti-duck hunting graffiti hampered volunteer firefighters on Good Friday.
Boort brigade was called to the fire at Wooldshed Swamp about 2.10pm. But captain Kel Mayberry said members first had to clear the access track.
“It was annoying for our members and delayed their arrival at the fire,” he said.
The unattended campfire on Woolshed Road burnt an area about 20 metres, he said.
Farmers first reported damage at Wooldshed Swamp in the days before the official opening of duck hunting season last month.
Loddon Shire’s Boort Ward councillor David Weaver said his fences were cut and logs dragged across tracks. Cr Weaver said there was anger in the community at the vandalism.
Coalition Against Duck Hunting campaign director Laurie Levy denied responsibility for the damage when in Boort during the season opening.
Bridgewater brigade was called to a possible unattended campfire on the Loddon River on Saturday. Following the end of daylight saving at the weekend, the Country Fire Authority has asked people to check their household smoke alarms.
“All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, and those with replaceable batteries should be changed annually,” said CFA Acting Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic. “Only working smoke alarms save lives, so taking a moment for cleaning and testing your smoke alarm could be the fire safety step you take.”
Read More: Berrimal, Boort, Loddon Shire