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CFACFA
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“At the mercy of mother nature”: Western Victoria braces for more extreme fire conditions
Feb 17, 2026

“At the mercy of mother nature”: Western Victoria braces for more extreme fire conditions

The CFA said brigades were already positioned - including in towers - and monitoring conditions.

Zara Cuthbertson
CFACFA
+1+1
Beyond the blaze: Why Otways locals fear they’ll be forgotten
Feb 04, 2026

Beyond the blaze: Why Otways locals fear they’ll be forgotten

“Impacts often peak months later, when initial support winds down and people are left managing loss and uncertainty.”

Zara Cuthbertson
CFACFA
+1+1
Otways bushfire has doubled in size since Saturday to 11,000 hectares, officials say
Jan 28, 2026

Otways bushfire has doubled in size since Saturday to 11,000 hectares, officials say

More than 170 vehicles and 390 responders were on the scene as of Tuesday.

Zara Cuthbertson
CFACFA
+1+1
“A little goes a long way”: Locals distribute more than 2,000 supply packs to West Vic firefighters and impacted communities
Jan 28, 2026

“A little goes a long way”: Locals distribute more than 2,000 supply packs to West Vic firefighters and impacted communities

“The smile on their faces when we drop off grab bags - they’re just so grateful.”

Zara Cuthbertson
CFACFA
+2+2
Lending a hand at Gellibrand: Firefighting crews from across West Vic travel to help combat blaze
Jan 27, 2026

Lending a hand at Gellibrand: Firefighting crews from across West Vic travel to help combat blaze

Crews from Port Fairy, Wangoom and Nullawarre were among volunteers who jumped on a tanker and grabbed a hose.

Zara Cuthbertson
CFACFA
+1+1
“Time to go”: Thousands of Otways locals urged to evacuate as 40-degree weather brings severe fire risks to the region
Jan 27, 2026

“Time to go”: Thousands of Otways locals urged to evacuate as 40-degree weather brings severe fire risks to the region

With the Otways still burning weeks after dry lightning first struck, Carlisle River and Gellibrand residents have faced more challenging days of extreme heat and stressful fire conditions.

Zara Cuthbertson
CFACFA
+4+4
“A dome of heat” to loom over Victoria as south west faces another total fire ban
Jan 22, 2026

“A dome of heat” to loom over Victoria as south west faces another total fire ban

West Vic will face extreme heat and elevated fire danger less than a fortnight after fires and flash floods damaged parts of Victoria’s coast and hinterland.

Zara Cuthbertson
CFACFA
+1+1
Unpacking the disasters unfolding in Victoria's west
Jan 20, 2026

Unpacking the disasters unfolding in Victoria's west

The West Vic Brolga's Zara Cuthbertson speaks to the National Account about the recent catastrophic fires and floods in Western Victoria.

Zara Cuthbertson
CFACFA
+2+2
The aftermath: Tens of thousands of hectares scorched in Western Victoria
Jan 12, 2026

The aftermath: Tens of thousands of hectares scorched in Western Victoria

Bushfires at Carlisle River and Kennedys Creek in the Otways remained out of control on Monday afternoon.

Zara Cuthbertson
CFACFA
“Be safe, be vigilant”: Entire West Vic region under catastrophic fire danger risk
Jan 09, 2026

“Be safe, be vigilant”: Entire West Vic region under catastrophic fire danger risk

Locals are banking on a cool change, forecast for Friday evening.

Zara Cuthbertson
CFACFA
+1+1
What to do with your horses if a bushfire starts in western Victoria
Dec 18, 2025

What to do with your horses if a bushfire starts in western Victoria

Having a plan in place well in advance is the best way to reduce risk to your animals.

Zara Cuthbertson
CFACFA
+1+1
Fire restrictions locked in as West Vic’s summer fire risk climbs
Dec 05, 2025

Fire restrictions locked in as West Vic’s summer fire risk climbs

Authorities say the region’s spring rain is unlikely to offset the predicted heat.

Zara Cuthbertson
Your go-to source for local news, events and community stories across the Western District.

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Your go-to source for local news, events and community stories across the Western District.

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