Gisborne Fire Brigade - CFA

31/08/2026

🔥 Lots of little puffs of smoke around Gisborne over the weekend! 🔥

With clear skies, light winds and some lovely weather, it looks like plenty of people are taking the opportunity to get stuck into a bit of burning off and start getting their properties ready for summer. 👌

It’s a great time to reduce those fuel loads, but remember… just because the weather is beautiful, doesn’t mean the fire can be left to do its own thing! 😉

If you’re planning a burn-off, make sure you:

🔥 Check the rules and restrictions that apply to your property, including any local council requirements.
🔥 Keep at least a 3-metre clearance around your burn, free of flammable material.
🔥 Have plenty of water and the right equipment ready to contain and extinguish it.
🔥 Allow enough time to stay with the fire and monitor it until it is completely out.
🔥 Keep an eye on the weather, particularly the wind.
🔥 Let your neighbours know if smoke is likely to affect them.
🔥 And most importantly… REGISTER YOUR BURN-OFF!

Register online at Fire Permits Victoria:
Register your burn-off online⁠ : https://firepermits.vic.gov.au

Starting within the next two hours? Call 1800 668 511 (24/7).

A little bit of preparation goes a long way. We love seeing everyone getting their properties ready for the warmer months, but we’d much rather see a few little puffs of smoke than a big one that requires a truck! 🚒😉

Stay safe and burn responsibly, Gisborne! ❤️💛

Cooking, burn-offs, campfires, hot work, fireworks. Sparks, embers and flames from many activities can cause fires.

30/08/2026

Thank you for sharing this Leigh. X

29/08/2026

🐾 FOUND DOG 🐾

***UPDATE - dog has been collected by the ranger.

This beautiful fella was found wandering on Robertson Road this morning.

He is safe and secure at the rear of our CFA Station while we try to locate his owner.

If you recognise him or know who he belongs to, please get in touch with Gisborne CFA.

Please share to help us get this handsome boy home! ❤️

25/08/2026

Simulated MVA Training 🚒

Last night, members took part in a series of simulated motor vehicle accident (MVA) scenarios designed to test and develop their operational skills in a realistic environment.

Crews practised key aspects of on-scene management, including establishing incident control, coordinating resources, maintaining scene safety and managing casualties.

As part of the exercise, crews also set up a tanker relay system to simulate a scenario where no hydrants were available. This gave members the opportunity to practise establishing and maintaining a water supply over distance, something that can be particularly important when responding to incidents in rural areas.

A great night of practical training and plenty of hands-on experience for our members.

22/08/2026

Fire safety for everyone 🔥

Did you know CFA has multicultural fire safety resources available in 12 different languages?

Moving to a new country can be a lot to take in, and understanding fire safety and what to do in an emergency can be confusing, especially when English isn’t your first language.

That’s why CFA and FRV have made fire safety information available in a range of languages, including audio and visual resources.

We want everyone in Gisborne and the whole Macedon Ranges community to feel informed, prepared and confident when it comes to fire safety. ❤️

Take a look at the resources available here:
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about-us/publications/fire-safety-translations

21/08/2026

People who are over 65 or who have a disability are more likely to be affected by disasters, including home fires and bushfires. In Australia, 62% of the people who died in home fires between 2003 and 2017 had a disability.
CFA (Country Fire Authority) and FRV (Fire Rescue Victoria) are working together to reduce these unacceptable statistics.

If you work in the Aged Care and/or Disability Care Sector, this page is your hub to find what you are looking for.
https://engage.cfa.vic.gov.au/projects/fire-safety-for-the-care-sector

Here you can find surveys, projects, resources, links, and information designed to empower service providers and support workers in enhancing home fire and bushfire safety for the people they care for.

For more information for yourself and the people you are for, visit, https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/your-local-area-info-and-advice/e-learning

Resources, links, and information designed to empower service providers and support workers in enhancing home fire and bushfire safety for the people they care for.

19/08/2026

Did you know that almost two thirds of people who die in house fires have a disability?

On average, 18 people die in preventable residential house fires in Victoria every year.

CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria have an online learning module to support at risk people with planning for fire emergencies at home.

Prevent, Detect, Escape – Home Fire Safety for people at higher risk is made for people at increased fire risk, and for people who support or care for them.

Follow the link for more information:
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/your-local-area-info-and-advice/e-learning

18/08/2026

Last night, our Training Officer Tim was lucky enough to take part in a specialised training night at the Kyneton railway sidings, alongside members of Victoria Police, SES and CFA.

The session was delivered by V/Line and gave emergency responders the opportunity to learn more about the VLocity trains and how best to assist in the event of an incident.

The training covered a range of important areas, including emergency access in the event of a derailment, how to isolate engine and electrical equipment, the location and operation of onboard electrical equipment, and how passengers can be safely detrained using ladders when a platform isn’t available.

There was also discussion around the roles and expectations of the different emergency services should a major incident occur on the rail network.

Attendance was limited to CFA Training Officers, meaning Tim can now bring this knowledge back to Gisborne CFA and share it with our wider brigade.

A great opportunity to build our knowledge and preparedness. Thanks to V/Line for putting on the session and to all involved. 👏

10/08/2026

The family of our friend and fellow volunteer, Paul O’Riley, have shared details of his funeral service.

Monday, 17 August 2026
11:00am
Jubilee Hall
52 Smith Street, Macedon

All family, friends, CFA members and those who knew Paul are warmly invited to attend and celebrate his life.

Paul’s online tribute page is also available for those who would like to leave a message or share a memory:
https://tjscottandson.com.au/tribute/-Oz9r5CXW9cb0vV3-SE4/

Our thoughts remain with Jenny, Olivia and all of Paul’s family and loved ones.

Rest easy, Paul. ❤️

06/08/2026

It is with deep sadness that Gisborne CFA acknowledges the passing of our friend and fellow volunteer, Paul O’Riley.

Paul first joined the Gisborne Fire Brigade in October 1987 and went on to dedicate almost 39 years of service to the CFA. During that time he served as Fourth Lieutenant, generously sharing his experience, commitment and dedication with generations of firefighters.

Paul answered the call whenever he was needed, including during the devastating Black Saturday bushfires, where he stood alongside fellow firefighters protecting communities under extraordinary circumstances. His contribution to the brigade, the CFA and the wider community will not be forgotten.

Beyond his operational service, Paul was also a well-known and respected local businessman as the owner of O’Riley’s Coaches. Through his generosity and ongoing support of Gisborne CFA, he quietly gave back to the community in countless ways. For many years, Paul proudly supplied buses for our annual Good Friday Appeal collections, helping our volunteers reach every corner of the town in support of the The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. It was just one of the many ways he continued to serve the community he cared so deeply about.

Paul will be remembered not only for his years of service, but also for the friendships he built, the knowledge he shared and the lasting impact he had on those who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Our heartfelt condolences are with Paul’s family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Vale Paul O’Riley.

Thank you for your dedication, your service and your commitment to the Gisborne community. Rest in peace.