Quieter fire season concludes with low forest impact

OneFortyOne’s 2025–26 fire season has officially concluded, following generally milder conditions across the Green Triangle compared to previous seasons.

OneFortyOne Green Triangle Forests general manager Deon Kriek acknowledged the efforts of crews and partner brigades.

“Working closely with the Country Fire Service (CFS), Country Fire Authority (CFA), and industry brigades continues to be essential in protecting our forests and supporting our communities,” Deon said.

The 2025-26 season ran from 1 December 2025 to 13 April 2026, lasting 134 days.

Deon said conditions across the region were generally wetter than average for most of the season, which helped reduce overall fire activity.

“Our crews were on standby for 88 days, which is slightly below the long-term average,” Deon said.

“Across the season, we responded to 28 fires both within our estate and across the region.”

Fifteen fires occurred on OneFortyOne-managed land, with crews also assisting at fires on private property, other forestry estates, national parks, and roadsides.

Fire causes included lightning strikes, suspected arson, vehicle-related incidents, and escaped agricultural burns.

“Only 0.3 hectares of our local forests were impacted, and most importantly, our crews went home safe and well every day,” Deon said.

OneFortyOne supported efforts interstate, with teams of firefighters completing three deployments to Victoria, including assisting with the Otways fires.

The season also saw three new Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) added to the fleet, along with ongoing construction of the Mount Burr Fire Tower, due to be completed before the next season begins.

An end of season celebration was held in May to thank crews and recognise their contribution.

“The end of season get together is a good opportunity to catch up and thank our crews for the effort they’ve put in,” Deon said.

“While we had a relatively quiet season, we’re proud of our teams, the work they’ve done and the connections they’ve made with other brigades,” Deon said.

Fire management activities, including training, prescribed burns and firebreak maintenance, will continue throughout the year to keep crews and forests prepared.