General News
23 January, 2026
Dry lightning sparks fires
CAMPERDOWN and surrounds experienced a number of small fires when a lightning band passed over the district on Friday, January 9.
The dry lightning fires were in addition to Streatham/Skipton fire to the north, with Chocolyn, Derrinallum, Lismore, Bookaar and Vite Vite impacted.
Country Fire Authority (CFA) District Six acting assistant chief fire officer Peter Lockwood praised the efforts of local CFA brigades for their quick response to the grassfires.
“We had a big lightning band come through on Friday (January 9), which did start a lot of grass fires around,” he said.
“There was one on Wednesday (January 14) near Lismore, where a lawnmower caught on fire.
“They were very small in size.
“Apart from the Streatham and Otway fires, there have been no major outbreaks of fires.”
Mr Lockwood encouraged residents to remain vigilant during thunderstorms when little rainfall has been recorded.
“We can’t prevent dry lightning, but if there’s a lightning band going through, keep an eye out for any fires,” he said.
“If you see a fire that has started as a result of dry lightning, ring Triple Zero (000).”
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