Travelling during the FDP
Lithium-ion Battery Safety
Jan 2026
WOW. What a start to the year. We thought we might take a few moments to update our community on what has been happening so far in 2026.
This time last year, we had responded to 1 stubble fire and for the entire month of January we responded to 7 incidents.
So far, for Jan 2026, we’ve responded to 15 incidents, including of course the significant fire that tore through Ravenswood Sth and Harcourt.
We have responded to 7 grass and scrub fires at Glengower, Strangways, Castlemaine, Ravenswood Sth/Walmer/Harcourt, Yandoit Hills and Porcupine Ridge, 1 truck fire at Eddington, 1 shed fire in Newstead,1 Structure fire in Maldon, 2 Motor Vehicle Accidents in Strangways and 1 false alarm at Moolort.
Our BigFill has delivered over 250,000L of water to appliances on the job.
December 2025
Newstead Brigade members continue to prepare for our fire season with members participating in Brigade Training.
November 2025
The Newstead fire brigade have had a very active month with the brigade running some Breathing Apparatus training along with our wildfire training as we run into the fire danger period. Incidents including a car fire and motor vehicle accident along with our regular November market day and supporting local residents with there fire Readiness have seen many of our members responding and participating.
October 2025
Sunday 19th October the Strathloddon Group of fire brigades conducted our annual group training exercise in preparation for this summer’s fire danger period.
Crews were tested in basic dry firefighting skills, offensive attack on a running grass fire and the ability to refill their own tankers “sucking” water from a static source such as a dam or river. These skills are vital in ensuring our efficiency and safety on the fire ground this summer.
In a historical first for Newstead Fire Brigade, we had one tanker made up of an all female crew. A mix of new, younger members and seasoned veterans the crew did a superb job all working together and are a valuable asset to our brigade.
The Strathloddon Group of brigades is made up of:
Newstead Fire Brigade,
Campbell’s Creek Fire Brigade,
Guildford Fire Brigade,
Fryerstown Fire Brigade,
Maldon Fire Brigade,
Walmer Fire Brigade, and
Baringhup West Fire Brigade.
Our thanks to our local community for your understanding while we moved in and out of town at times.
September 2025
A busy start to September for the brigade with us being paged to another fire just after midday today. This time it was to a diesel powered van on fire at Sandon. No one was injured in the incident however the vehicle was completely destroyed by fire. Crews wearing breathing apparatus were able to quickly extinguish the fire and stop it spreading to nearby grass and bush, assisted by recent rain.
August 2025
On Sunday 3rd August, Members from the Newstead fire brigade travelled to VEMTC Huntly a purpose built training facility, where they practiced their skills. Crews conducted multiple house fire scenarios, involving members wearing breathing apparatus and entering a structure filled with smoke and flames (provided by strategically positioned gas burners). This replicates the heat and smoky environment encountered when entering a burning building.
Crews then went on to encounter multiple car fires, and shed fires, with simulated casualties (mannequins).
Crews were tested in hose, nozzle and water control, offensive and defensive fire attack tactics, command and control and many other skills vital to our role in protecting you and your property.
June 2025
On Monday the 16th June, the brigade was paged to support Maldon to a shed on fire, mid-way between Maldon and Newstead. Upon arrival it was discovered a shed fully involved in fire, with an adjoining house under immediate threat.
Members from Maldon and supported by additional crews from Newstead donned breathing apparatus and commenced an aggressive attack on the fire in an attempt to prevent it extending into the house, and through their great work, we were able to save the building, although the shed was a total loss.
The exact cause is being investigated but is not considered to be suspicious.
