UPDATE: Firefighters from the Lilydale Fire Brigade have returned home after a grueling week battling devastating fires in Victoria. The final crew arrived safely at their station at approximately 1:30 PM on January 14, 2026, but officials warn that the firefighting efforts are not yet over.
The Lilydale team played a crucial role in protecting the town of Alexandra, coordinating efforts to safeguard key assets in the area. Captain Warren Davis confirmed that nine members of the brigade were deployed to combat the Longwood fire, and many more are on standby as conditions remain volatile. “Our team performed great work over the past days, but we are a cog in a significant machine that has responded to these fires,” Captain Davis stated.
As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 11 major fires continued to burn across Victoria, consuming over 400,000 hectares. The destruction has been catastrophic, with more than 700 structures destroyed or significantly damaged, including 228 homes and 450 outbuildings.
Emergency response efforts are shifting focus, with a convoy of firefighters from District 13 heading to Walwa on the New South Wales border for additional support. As conditions ease, authorities are prioritizing containment and burnout operations to prevent further spread.
In response to this crisis, both the State and Federal Governments have announced relief packages totaling $100 million. Premier Jacinta Allan unveiled a robust support initiative on January 14, which includes $40 million in grants specifically for fire-affected primary producers. Additionally, a new $15 million recovery package aims to assist Victorians in starting the massive clean-up process.
The 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal is now open for donations to support affected communities. Residents can contribute via vic.gov.au/2026-Victorian-Bushfire-Appeal. Community efforts are also underway, collecting donations of food, clothing, and essential items, alongside transporting bales of hay to farmers in need.
Captain Davis emphasized the importance of remembering the needs of farmers’ pets amidst the donations. “A lot of people tend to forget about the dogs, the farmers’ dogs. They’ve lost their houses and everything like that. They need food too,” he noted, urging the community to consider the well-being of these animals during recovery efforts.
The Lilydale Fire Brigade expressed immense pride in their members’ dedication and the broader volunteer response from the CFA and local communities. “Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by the events of yesterday and we hope the challenges to come aren’t anything like the ones you faced yesterday,” the brigade posted on social media.
As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes remain on the ongoing firefighting efforts and the long road to recovery for the communities impacted by these devastating fires. Stay tuned for further updates as authorities respond to this urgent crisis.
