General News
10 January, 2026
State-wide total fire ban extended to Sunday
Tomorrow, Sunday January 11, has been declared a day of total fire ban across all of Victoria
The ban comes as crews from across the region, including Loddon, continue to fight the major fire at Ravenswood South/Harcourt that started on Friday and is yet to be brought under control.
More than 3000 hectares has been destroyed, homes lost and key communications infrastructure on Mount Alexander knocked out, taking some radio stations and television stations off the air.
Loddon businesses including Bridgewater Bakehouse, Coffee on Loddon in Bridgewater and the Jarklin Hotel have been providing coffees and breakfasts to CFA volunteer relief crews heading to the Harcourt fire and returning.
In Boort, a relief crew returned this morning to receive thankyou hampers from the community.
A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for Victoria tomorrow, Sunday 11 January 2026.
A statewide TFB has been in place since Friday due to the Catastrophic fire conditions and will remain, despite cooler conditions tomorrow.
A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said Sunday's TFB had been declared because thousands of firefighters were on the ground battling fires across Victoria.
“There is a lot of fire in the landscape and it’s important we reduce any risks, which is why the statewide Total Fire Ban is staying in place,” he said.
“Conditions have eased but we have a long way to go to get the current fire situation under control.
“I appreciate that a TFB can have an impact on communities and business but be assured these restrictions are reviewed on a daily basis. This ensures we get the right balance between mitigation against new fires in the landscape and the needs of communities.
“It is extremely dynamic and we are asking Victorians to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration.”
“Understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”