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Carlisle River Fire Brigade has commended the extraordinary efforts of firefighters and support crews following recent fires in the area, while urging the community to remain vigilant as conditions continue to change in the week ahead.
CFA brigades worked closely with Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) to protect homes, farmland and bushland throughout Carlisle River. For many local volunteer firefighters the response came with an added emotional toll as they protected the community while worrying about their own families and properties.
Carlisle River Fire Brigade Captain Rob May said crews faced incredibly challenging circumstances.
"Our members were jumping on the truck to protect the community while knowing their own homes were at risk. That's a hard position to be in, but they didn't hesitate to turn out and help," Rob said.
Carlisle River firefighter Tyrone Benson highlighted the critical role of aerial firefighting in protecting his property.
"We had constant support from the FFMVic and CFA ground crews and I'm certain we would have lost everything — our home, our sheds, everything — without the water-bombing crews. They were incredible," Tyrone said.
The intensity of the fire, that has burned 5,255 hectares impacted five structures including a shed and a caravan.
"Based on available information we are confident that no primary residences have been lost," Rob said.
"That comes down to the massive effort from Forest Fire Management Victoria, CFA crews from near and far, South Australian crews, and all the support staff working behind the scenes to keep things running."
While the immediate threat has eased, the brigade warns the danger is not over.
"We're not out of the woods yet. People need to keep checking their properties and the wider Carlisle River area, especially on hot and windy days. Burnt ground can still flare up with very little warning," Rob said.
Looking ahead, the brigade is focused on strengthening its ability to respond to future fires and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for an ultralight vehicle.
"An ultralight is a small 4WD fire truck, like a Ranger or Land Cruiser, that can get into places our bigger tankers just can't. It carries water, foam and equipment and is designed for quick first attack in rough terrain," Rob said.
"A vehicle like this would have made a big difference during these fires, and it would really help us now as we continue monitoring burnt areas over the coming weeks."
The brigade is encouraging community members and supporters to contribute if they are able, helping ensure local firefighters have the right tools to protect lives and property into the future.
The Carlisle River Fire Brigade is also actively seeking new volunteers.
First Lieutenant Krystal May said the recent fires highlighted the pressure placed on a small group of volunteers.
"We're really keen to speak to any locals who might be interested in volunteering with our brigade. We always need firefighters getting on trucks, especially over the summer months," Krystal said.
"These fires have shown just how much pressure is placed on a small group of volunteer firefighters. It's not just the initial response either — our brigade will continue supporting the community for weeks to come. We need more people to help spread the load."
Victorians are reminded to never rely on one channel for emergency information. Connect to official sources of emergency information, including:
- VicEmergency app
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- Tune in to local emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews TV
- Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
