By Aaron Cordy
EMERGENCY crews are going to play a massive role in Northern Victoria again this summer, as the state prepares for the bushfire season.
To make sure this fire season has a minimal impact on the community, Emergency management crews from across the region converged on the Shepparton Incident Control Centre on Thursday, October 2, to take part in a large-scale bushfire readiness exercise ahead of the 2025–26 fire season.
The incident management exercise simulated a rapidly escalating bushfire scenario under extreme weather conditions, testing the skills of emergency teams in a realistic, high-pressure environment.
Country Fire Authority, Acting Deputy Chief Officer for the Northeast Region, Stewart Kreltszheim, said the exercise was an opportunity to refresh and refine incident management skills ahead of a potentially significant fire season.
“This exercise is about making sure our teams are ready to respond effectively when communities are threatened,” said Mr Kreltszheim.
“It’s also a chance to mentor new personnel, test systems and reinforce the importance of coordinated, community-focused emergency response.”
Two management teams worked in shifts, with a mid-day handover to simulate live operational transitions. The scenario reflected typical summer conditions in northern Victoria with cured grasslands, dry forests, and hot, windy weather and a simulated fire threatening both private and public land.
It tested communication protocols, coordination of community relief and the use of local and state emergency management plans.
“While winter rains have brought green growth, underlying soil dryness remains, meaning grass will dry out earlier than usual,” said Mr Kreltszheim.
“This spring, we’re urging Victorians to understand their local risk, prepare their properties and have a fire plan in place.”
“Exercises like this are essential for building confidence, capability and collaboration across agencies.”
