Wongawallan Fires Update
19 Sep 2026 10:06 PMMark Boothman
Today has been certainly challenging and it has taken every effort by many RFS volunteers and QFR firefighters to protect the homes along Wongawallan Drive.
Crews continued this morning with preparing the rear of homes with brushcutters, chainsaws and hand tools to provide protection before commencing backburning. The main fire had move considerably and started impacting homes near 302 and 310 but this fire was stopped before it reached the houses.
A wind change after lunch placed pressure on the containment lines constructed with backburning and crews were vigilant and able to stop several outbreaks before damaging homes.
Late this afternoon the backburning operations were completed and there is a containment line all the way along the rear of houses from 302 to 368 Wongawallan Dr and into the Reserve heading up to the old mine shaft. Crews have given their absolute best today to save property and their efforts have been nothing short of superhuman.
Other crews have been working the Crystal Creek and Ruffles Rd side of the fire across the valley and they have been doing incredible work to keep ahead of the main front to provide protection to homes.
To everyone involved, there is to many list, our Brigade thanks you all for you commitment to coming and assisting with this incident.
Crews will remain on scene all through the night to monitor the fire. More crews will be back in the morning to continue with patrolling and mopping up. It's still a few long days ahead for crews but they are answering the call to assist our communities.
To the community we truly appreciate all your messages of support and offering drinks and ice blocks to our crews, it has been humbling.
