Isabella Orszulak and Sam Goodwin
Long before the first pager sounded on 9 January 2026, CFA strike teams across Victoria were already preparing for a catastrophic day that everyone hoped wouldn't come.
Warracknabeal Fire Brigade members Isabella Orszulak and Sam Goodwin were part of a Strike Team on that day.
"There was a nervous energy in the air all week long," Isabella said.
"In the days leading up, we made sure vehicles were fully equipped, with drinking water, electrolytes and gear ready for a long shift.
"At the same time, we ensured all our families had plans in place in case fire threatened closer to home."
When morning rolled around, Warracknabeal members gathered at the station, monitoring weather conditions and listening to radio traffic.
"It was pretty nerve-racking, not knowing what could happen or where," Isabella said.
"You could see how wild it was outside, and we were just keeping an eye on everything."
Sam said the heat and wind made the risk clear early in the day.
"I said to my boss I'd better head to the station, knowing something was likely to happen," Sam said.
At 12.42pm, the Grass Flat fire was reported.
"Within minutes, the tone of the radio traffic changed as the fire escalated," Sam said.
"Then we heard the words 'Natimuk township under threat' and the room just went quiet.
"We all knew what it meant."
From there, the strike team geared up and headed out, beginning the roughly one-hour journey towards the fireground.
"The winds were very intense and keeping the vehicle on the road was a battle at times," Sam said.
"We also faced thick smoke and increasing traffic with residents leaving the area."
As they neared Natimuk, the scale of the fire became clear.
"There was fire on both sides of the road," Sam said.
"It was something like I'd never seen before."
Strike teams were being staged at the Natimuk showgrounds.
"When we arrived, we were deployed to protect key buildings in town, including the courthouse and gymnastics centre, which were under threat from nearby burning structure," Isabella said.
"The radiant heat was intense. Everything around us was burnt or burning," Sam said.
"Our priority was to stop the fire from reaching those buildings."
When the immediate threat had passed, they continued patrolling the township, checking properties and responding to spot fires.
"It was a confronting day from start to finish and a clear example of how quickly fires can escalate under catastrophic conditions, and why preparation and early action are critical," Sam said.
"At the end of the day, fire is unpredictable," Isabella said.
"If you're told to have a plan and leave early, you need to. It's not guaranteed we can save everyone and every property."
