Horses and Bushfires. Are you fire ready?

Not everyone thinks clearly in an emergency.

A written and well practiced plan will help you remember what needs to be done during a crisis. Although you may not live in a high risk area, you may agist your horse in an area of high grass or bush fire risk.

Whether your horses are located at home or on an agistment property, you must plan and prepare for their safety.

There are steps that you can take to reduce the impact of bushfire on your horses.

This information session will assist you in planning for bushfire. Participants will be encouraged to take home and complete a 'Horses and Bushfires' planning template.

Presenters will speak to their own experiences with bushfire and the lessons they have learned for the safety of themselves and their horses.

Presenters are:

• Kate Rowe, CFA volunteer, AgVic District Veterinary Officer and an accomplished show jumper.

• Dr Caroline Duddy, equine vet specialist who was involved with the Longwood fires

• Shaun Hearmon, equine dentist and Longwood CFA Captain

The fire season is not over yet as the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn 2026 is for warmer and drier conditions across Victoria.

Ensure you are prepared for grass or bush fires occurring at any time of the year.

https://www.afac.com.au/public-resources/seasonal-bushfire-outlook-autumn-2026

For more information contact your local CFA Community Engagement Coordinator, Amanda Smith on 0407 604 012 or northeastcommsafety@cfa.vic.gov.au

Victorian Fire Risk Register (VFRR)
The Victorian Fire Risk Register - Bushfire (VFRR-B) is a process in which representatives from local government, fire services, public land managers, utilities and community groups map assets at risk from bushfire and assess the level of risk to the assets. Across the north east of Victoria there are many communities living in areas that are rated at Extreme or Very High risk in the VFRR. While there may not be fires in the local landscape currently, It is strongly recommended and encouraged that all residents are aware of their bushfire risk and take responsibility for the safety of their themselves, family, pets and livestock. This information session is the first step to reduce risk and stay safe, even in the most extreme conditions.

Photo credit: Murray Bridge fire. Mitchell/Getty Images