In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000)

Media Releases

Interstate and international personnel bolster Victorian bushfire response

POSTED: 
19 January 2026

Hundreds of emergency personnel from across Australia and overseas will support Victoria’s emergency services, joining the state’s bushfire response and recovery efforts.

Victorian emergency services have been bolstered by more than 550 firefighters and incident management teams. This critical support assists local crews as they continue to respond to multiple fires across the state.

A total of 460 personnel from almost every Australian state and territory have already been deployed to Victoria, while 22 arduous firefighters from New Zealand arrived today to support operations near Tallangatta. A further 74 personnel from Canada are scheduled to touch down on 27 January.

They join thousands of responders from agencies including the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), and are supported by more than 70 aircraft.

Acting Emergency Management Commissioner, Brett Boatman, welcomed the newly arriving team at their briefing in Altona today.

“Thanks to all the people from overseas, across Australia and here in Victoria who are on the ground supporting our emergency management response and communities,” Acting Commissioner Boatman said.

“Their willingness to leave their own homes and communities to support Victorians speaks volumes about the strength of our emergency management partnerships, domestically and internationally.”

There are currently six active fires across Victoria, with some expected to burn for some time. So far this bushfire season, more than 413,000 hectares of land has been affected.

People needing recovery support can contact the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760, or visit vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires.