General News
30 May, 2025
Smoke expected following compost fire
COUNTRY Fire Authority (CFA) units responded to a compost fire in Bookaar earlier this week, with smoke expected to remain over the next few days.
Ten vehicles, including support from the Camperdown, Lismore and Cobden State Emergency Services (SES) units, responded to the incident at a goat dairy operation on Kilnoorat Road in Bookaar at around 3.31am on Monday morning.
CFA District Six commander Rob McVey said crews were met with a large smouldering pile of compost, primarily consisting of goat manure.
“CFA worked to control the spread of the smouldering pile that was generating a good degree of smoke and were able to contain the spread of the fire to the pile of origin,” he said.
“Subsequently, with the variable weather we have experienced over the past couple of days, there has been some activity at that location, but the fire has remained contained to that pile of origin.
“CFA have been able to hand the scene over to the owner of the property and are happy to have seen good cooperation from the owner.
“While the scene remains smouldering, it is currently in a safe state and we don’t expect it to spread any further, but smoke may be visible in the vicinity in the days to come.”
A community information was issued via the VicEmergency app, warning nearby residents of possible smoke in the area.
Commander McVey said the fire was caused by a natural phenomenon, which is also seen in haystack fires.
“Organic process that occur can generate heat and, under the right conditions, can smoulder,” he said.
“The wind that’s picked up over the past few days has then generated the spread of enough of that heat that the product is combustible.
“It’s one of those timely reminders that when piling large piles of organic matter to ensure they’re not excessive in size so in the event that we do see this natural phenomenon occur, they can be easily isolated, so it doesn’t spread.”
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