General News
8 January, 2026
FREE TO READ Catastrophic warning: Region on alert for sweltering Friday
FRIDAY January 9 has been rated "catastrophic" and declared a total fire ban across Loddon communities as our residents prepare for a third day of sweltering 40-degree plus temperatures.
Northern Country, that includes Loddon Shire, the Wimmera, North Central and South West have given the catastrophic rating by emergency services. A total fire ban will apply across all Victoria.
Schools and school grounds will be no-go zones as part of the catastrophic rating. It is illegal to be on any public land including campgounds with campers now being told to leave.
The visitor information centre in Wedderburn wll be shut. Wedderburn Community House will remain open for people looking for a cool refuge.
Loddon Shire transfer stations will be closed
Only urgent outdoor work will be done and office staff who travel to Wedderburn or other locations may work from home.
No V/Line train, scheduled coach or replacement coach services will operate in a fire district while a Catastrophic fire danger rating is in place for that district.
Inglewood Post Office will not be making roadside mail deliveries. The post office will open until at least 10am.
Cafe 3517 in Inglewood will open from 7.30am to 11.30am while Bridgewater Nursery plans to open between 9am and midday. Arnold Family Butchers in Boort will also open reduced hours.
Temperatures on Friday in the low 40s are predicted to come with winds up to 50kmh and gusts of 100kmh.
“If you live in a fire-prone area, especially those that have got bushland around them, you should be leaving early. In fact, if you’re in those catastrophic fire danger areas, where there are no fires at the moment, you should be leaving by 7am Friday,” said Emergency Services Commission Tim Wiebusch.
Many Loddon businesses have already adjusted their opening hours this week and closing early. The shire's swimming pools have been closing later each evening.
Fire brigades across the shire have been called to multiple small fires during the week.
The latest was this this morning at Eddington with 13 units fighting the fire for almost two hours before the scene was declared safe.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the safest option for people currently in bushfire risk areas within the South West, Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central is to start planning to leave tonight or early in the morning.
“Tomorrow’s hot and erratic fire conditions will put you and your families lives at risk if a fire starts and takes hold. Fires will be unpredictable and uncontrollable,” Jason said.
“The safest place to be is away from high-risk areas such as campsites, parks and forests. Now is not the time to be complacent with your safety – please leave early.
“There are two large fires in the landscape at Longwood and Mt Lawson impacting communities and Victorians must continue to stay informed via the VicEmergency app.”
Catastrophic and Extreme conditions make it difficult for firefighters to control fires and with severe thunderstorms and potential for dry lightning forecast, challenges will arise.
“Be prepared for fire, monitor conditions and know where to get information so you can make good decisions about your safety,” Jason said.
“Don’t wait for an official warning before you leave, fires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes.
“Do not plan to defend your home on Catastrophic fire danger days – even well-prepared homes cannot withstand these conditions, and we may not be able to reach you.
“If you are caught out and all other bushfire plans have failed, be aware of local last resort options such as Neighbourhood Safer Places and designated Community Fire Refuges.”
Mr Heffernan said knowing what trigger point to leave was an important part of your bushfire plan.
“Leaving early means leaving the area before a fire starts, not when you can see flames or smoke,” he said.
“On Extreme and Catastrophic days, leaving the night before or early in the morning is the safest option and now is the time for families to sit down and understand what their bushfire plan will be.”
“Organise before you leave where you will go to avoid panic or being trapped.”
“This could be to stay with family or friends in a low-risk area, a shopping complex or central business district of a large regional or urban centre, or other community buildings, such as libraries in low-risk areas.
“It is also important to call family and friends and let them know where you are going.
“Bushfires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes, don’t wait for an official warning to take action.”
STAYING COOL
There are steps you can take to protect yourself and others:
Stay cool. Use air conditioning and/or a fan. Wear light and loose clothing. Keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or damp sponge and by taking cool showers. If you can’t keep cool at home, think about where you can go on hot days to cool down such as public pools or air-conditioned buildings.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Keep drinking fluids before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors and performing physical activity.
Check in with family, friends and neighbours. Let people know you are OK and check in with those at increased risk or who may need your support. Look out for those who might be more affected by extreme heat, like the those over the age of 65 years, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems, those who are socially isolated or those with limited ways to keep cool.
Plan ahead. Watch the weather forecast in your area and plan activities at cooler times of day.
Hot cars kill. Never leave kids, adults, or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.
If needed, call Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 or contact Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at https://www.vved.org.au/.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).