https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/contact/register-your-burn-off

Merrijig Rural Fire Brigade, Mount Buller (2026)

04/08/2026

Merrijig CFA is lucky to have 4 new recruits trained up and ready to help for the next fire season.

Thank you to Lachie Pascoe, Taras Cheprakov, Angela Thompson and Bruce Easton; who have all completed online and hands on training and are our latest graduate firefighters.

We are also excited by the current recruits who are doing their online and hands on training in preparation for their assessment and induction to the Merrijig Bridge.

Photo credit: CFA Vic
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Glenroy - Merrijig Rural Fire Brigade
Our Community, Our CFA
Protecting People & Property
100% Volunteer - 24/7 - Since 1925

25/07/2026

YOUR ALARM - WILL SOUND MONDAY - NATION WIDE - TEST

Monday 27 July 2026 at 2:00 pm AEST - The Aus Alert test will take place.

AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices. This is a planned test, and you don’t need to do anything.

The message will vibrate and include a loud, siren-like sound that lasts about 10 seconds. If this could disrupt you or cause you or a loved one to feel unsafe, please turn off your mobile devices or switch them to airplane mode before the scheduled test time in your location, and leave them off for at least one hour.

To learn more about Aus Alert and access translated resources to share with your community, visit ausalert.gov.au

The national test of AusAlert is happening on Monday 27 July 2026 at around 2pm AEST. 📅
AusAlert sends near-instant emergency messages to compatible mobile devices like mobile phones, tablets and smart watches. It uses vibration, sound and on-screen messages to get your attention.

If your device receives the national test, it will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds before stopping. As the national test is a Critical Alert, this happens even if your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.

You may receive this test while driving, riding or using public transport. 🛻
If you are driving or riding, stay calm and don’t touch your device. ⚠️
The alert may also play through your vehicle’s speakers using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or Bluetooth and may interrupt navigation or media like music or podcasts. 📱

🚨Mobile phone laws still apply – don't read or respond to the alert while operating a vehicle. Only check the message when your vehicle is turned off and it is safe and legal to do so.

🚌 If you receive an alert while on public transport, stay calm. Don't approach the driver about the alert.

This is just a test, and you do not need to do anything. You should always follow instructions or announcements from public transport staff.

There will be an alert test on devices across Australia at 2pm on Monday 27 July 2026, plus early testing across certain areas in June.

AusAlert messages share important information aimed at keeping Australians safe during local and national disasters. However, they can also pose a potential risk for people in a domestic or family violence situation who may have a concealed safety phone as part of their safety planning, by making hidden safety devices easier to find.

People in this situation are encouraged to plan ahead by:
▪️giving the phone to a trusted friend or leaving it somewhere safe before 27 July.
▪️switching the phone to aeroplane mode or turning it off at least one hour before the testing and leaving it off for 24 hours.
🔗For more information, visit ausalert.gov.au.

📞 If you’re worried about your immediate safety, call 000. If you need support, visit areyousafeathome.org.au to find a list of support services near you.

AusAlert is Australia’s new national warning system.

It does not replace VicEmergency and will only be used in certain situations.

AusAlert is being tested at 2 pm on Monday 27 July.

Credits
VicEmergency, https://www.facebook.com/AusHomeAffairs?
National Emergency Management Agency and AusAlert
Safe and Equal - areyousafeathome.org.au

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Glenroy - Merrijig Rural Fire Brigade
Our Community, Our CFA
Protecting People & Property
100% Volunteer - 24/7 - Since 1925

25/07/2026

ELECTRICAL FIRE SAFETY TIPS - KEEP YOUR LOVED ONES SAFE

⚡ Electrical & Charging Safety Tips ⚡
Electrical fires are one of the most common types of fires in the home, and they can start quickly when appliances, wiring or devices fail.

Here are some tips to stay safe from electrical fires:
• Keep power leads tidy and avoid overloading power boards

• Only use approved charging devices
Use chargers and cables that meet Australian safety standards. Cheap or unapproved devices can overheat or fail.

• Charge devices on non‑combustible surfaces
Place phones, tablets, and other rechargeable items on hard, non‑flammable surfaces like a bench or table.
Unplug them as soon as they’re fully charged.

• Clean the lint filter in your dryer before every use
Lint buildup is a major fire hazard. Empty the filter and check around the dryer for dust or debris every time you use it.

• Use timers to help prevent overcharging
Timers or smart plugs can help ensure devices aren’t left charging for long periods,
reducing the risk of overheating.

Credits: Kinglake West Fire Brigade & CFA Vic

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Glenroy - Merrijig Rural Fire Brigade
Our Community, Our CFA
Protecting People & Property
100% Volunteer - 24/7 - Since 1925 See less

25/07/2026

CHECK - YOUR SMOKE ALARMS - TODAY

IF YOU DIDNT CHECK IN JUNE .... PLEASE ....
check the smoke alarms in your homes and holiday rentals, now.

Working smoke alarms save lives.
It only takes 3 seconds to push the button
PLEASE Take action today

For more information www.cfa.vic.gov.au/smokealarms

Photo Credit - CFA & Fire Rescue Vic
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Glenroy - Merrijig Rural Fire Brigade
Our Community, Our CFA
Protecting People & Property
100% Volunteer - 24/7 - Since 1925 See less

22/07/2026

PLEASE CHECK YOUR CHIMNEY - TODAY

Have you had your chimney or flue cleaned recently? Maybe its time!

If you're lighting up your fireplace, make sure you check your chimney.

- Use a torch to check for ash and tar build-up
- check for obstructions like bird nests.
- Have your chimney professionally cleaned/swept annually.

Continue to keep your home safe this winter by:

🧹 Cleaning your chimney and flue every year.
🚨 Making sure you have working smoke alarms.
🔥 Knowing your home fire escape plan.

Find out more at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/homefire

Photo Credit - Firefighters Australia FB
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Glenroy - Merrijig Rural Fire Brigade
Our Community, Our CFA
Protecting People & Property
100% Volunteer - 24/7 - Since 1925

21/07/2026

HOUSE FIRE – MERRIJIG - 2145 MOUNT BULLER ROAD

Emergency services responded to a house fire at 2145 Mt Buller Road, Merrijig, in the early hours of Tuesday 21 July 2026. A building fire alert was issued on Vic Emergency at 2.38 am.

Mansfield CFA was first on scene and was quickly joined by crews from Merrijig CFA, Mt Buller CFA, Boorolite CFA and Goughs Bay CFA, whose combined efforts were invaluable in containing the fire to the main house.

Mansfield SES and Victoria Police also attended, while the Wangaratta BA Support Unit supplied replacement BA (breathing apparatus) cylinders. The Melbourne and Mansfield Fire Investigation Team arrived at around 10.30 am.

A huge thank you to our Merrijig CFA Volunteers – Captain Anthony Wakeling, First Lieutenant Jonathan Steele, Second Lieutenant S, firefighters Tom Dunlop and Dave Lovick – who responded to the 2.40 am alarm.

Thank you also to our relief crew – Ange Bila, Pete Lynn, Des and Mary Dunn – who joined Captain Anthony Wakeling, around 10.30 and assisted with mop-up operations and supported the Fire Investigation Team until around 2.00 pm.

Special thanks to Max Green, Merrijig CFA member and Group Communications Officer, for organising and delivering a hot breakfast and lunch to all emergency service volunteers on a bitterly cold 2°C winter morning.

Sadly, the main timber house was well alight when crews arrived and could not be saved. However, firefighters successfully contained the fire to the main structure, protecting the River Cottage, Roadside Manager's Residence and much of the property's spectacular gardens.

The home, affectionately known as "The $2.50 House", was designed and built in the early 1980s by Michael O'Dea for his family; with its five levels, each shaped like a 50-cent coin. It was later purchased by the late Harold Mitchell, who created the magnificent gardens that many local garden clubs have enjoyed through open garden events.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and our sincere thanks go to all emergency service volunteers and staff for their professionalism and teamwork

Photo Credits:
Dave Lovick,
Anthony Wakeling,
Marta Wakeling
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Glenroy - Merrijig Rural Fire Brigade
Our Community, Our CFA
Protecting People & Property
100% Volunteer - 24/7 - Since 1925

29/06/2026

VALE - GEOFFREY (GEOFF) DAVIES

The flags at Merrijig CFA have been flying at half-mast since receiving the sad news that Geoff Davies passed away.

Geoff was a much loved and active member of the local community. He is well known for his music and merriment as a member of the Devil's River Country Band and for his community service.

Following in the footsteps of his father Edward (Eddie) Davies a Merrijig fire brigade member from 1945-1988; Geoff Davies joined Merrijig CFA on 16 January 1975.

During his 51 years of service, he took on the roles of: brigade member, firefighter, 4th lieutenant, 1st lieutenant and Captain.

Geoff was captain of the Merrijig brigade from January 1985 to June 1991.

Geoff was awarded his 50-year Service Medal during the brigades Centenary Celebration Dinner in November 2025, a service spanning half the life of the fire brigade.

His brother Ian Davies, also a Merrijig CFA member and past brigade Captain, shared the sad news on FB that "Geoff passed away peacefully in his sleep with his family at his bedside."

Geoff will be remembered with a Funeral service at Merrijig Community Hall on Monday 6th July 2026, at 11am.

Geoff will be greatly missed by his family and the Merrijig community, and leaves behind a legacy of community service and celebration that will not be forgotten.

25/04/2026

MERRIJIG CFA - MERRIJIG ANZAC SERVICE

A new ANZAC service area, and new parking location, to accommodate growing numbers at the increasingly popular Merrijig ANZAC service saw Merrijig CFA volunteers helping with traffic management and car parking today.

Merrijig CFA has a long history with the Merrijig ANZAC Service. The brigade's tanker escorts the horse riders up the hill, at the rising of the sun, and then is on stand-by to extinguish the fire braziers at the end of the event., before returning back to the station.

Thank you to Dave Lovick for driving the tanker and for laying the wreath on behalf of Merrijig CFA this morning.

Thank you to Merrijig CFA Members; old & new, and to our new recruits, for directing traffic today and helping keep spectators and horse riders safe.
An early start this morning for CFA Volunteers; Dave, Lachie, Jonathan, Max, Anne, Jenny, Bruce, Al, Cha, Nikki and Bear; with helpers arriving between 5.30- 6am.

Our new CFA firefighter, Ange Thompson, was busy - in her other role - and did a fantastic job organizing what appeared to be a record number of 122 horses for today's ANZAC ride.

And our CFA member Adrian Lawrence was kept busy with MC duties for the service in his other role as President of Merrijig Hall.

A beautiful Commemorative service and a true Merrijig Community event today.

Photo Credits: Marta Wakeling
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Glenroy - Merrijig Rural Fire Brigade
Our Community, Our CFA
Protecting People & Property
100% Volunteer - 24/7 - Since 1925
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11/04/2026

PREPARE - REGISTER BURN OFF - & NOTIFY NEIGHBOURS

If you are burning off
- Prepare your area & have enough water nearby
- Register your burn-off online - https://firepermits.vic.gov.au/
- Give your neighbours a heads up

-Register your burn-off online.
This is the quickest and easiest way to register your burn off - Check apply notify https://firepermits.vic.gov.au/

Image & info Credit: CFA Vic & FirePermits Vic
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Glenroy - Merrijig Rural Fire Brigade
Our Community, Our CFA
Protecting People & Property
100% Volunteer - 24/7 - Since 1925
----------------------------------------

11/04/2026

FIRE DANGER PERIOD HAS ENDED - REGISTER ALL YOUR BURNS

The Fire Danger Period has lifted for Mansfield Shire. You will see an increase in private burn-offs, particularly over the school holidays and over the ANZAC weekend as people come up to tidy up their properties.

Please - Register your burn off.
False alarm calls to unregistered burn-offs take volunteer firefighters away from workplaces, families and other emergencies.

Keep you burn-off safe and legal:
1) register your burn online at firepermits.vic.gov.au or phone 1800 668 511
2) Check fire restrictions with your local council

AND please
- Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind
- To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours
- Leave a three-meter fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn
- Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading
- Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration

- If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately

Property owners have legal obligations when burning off. Failing to comply with local council by-laws and state legislation can lead to a fine.

Register your burn-off online. This is the quickest and easiest way to register your burn off - Check apply notify https://firepermits.vic.gov.au/

Image & info Credit: CFA Vic & FirePermits Vic
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Glenroy - Merrijig Rural Fire Brigade
Our Community, Our CFA
Protecting People & Property
100% Volunteer - 24/7 - Since 1925
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Merrijig Rural Fire Brigade

04/08/2026

25/07/2026

25/07/2026

25/07/2026

22/07/2026

21/07/2026

29/06/2026

25/04/2026

11/04/2026

11/04/2026

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