Bendigo power crews restore service after Strathallan fire

Five customers in the Bendigo area remain without electricity as local crews finish clearing up after the Code Red day that produced more than 150 fires statewide.

The warning level triggered widespread alerts and forced rapid deployment of resources in central Victoria, where dry conditions and strong winds combined to test response systems already stretched by simultaneous incidents.

Local response in Bendigo

Bendigo crews focused first on the 420-hectare Strathallan fire north of Rochester, which affected a dairy operation on Burgoine Road and damaged rail sleepers on the line between Bendigo and Echuca. The fire was declared under control by Thursday evening, with Victoria Police stating investigations continue but the cause is not considered suspicious. Smoke may still be visible from roads near Fairy Dell, Nanneella, Rochester and Strathallan, though the Country Fire Authority has issued a final message confirming no immediate threat to those communities.

Powercor reported that at its peak the event left more than 80,000 homes and businesses without supply across its network, one of the largest single disruptions the company has recorded. By Friday morning the number of affected properties had fallen sharply, leaving just five Bendigo customers and 465 properties in nearby Kyneton still disconnected. Extra crews worked through the night repairing lines and other assets damaged by the extreme weather.

Next steps for residents

Powercor said restoration times for some customers will remain longer than usual because of the volume of faults, and crews will continue working through the weekend to reconnect remaining properties. Residents are advised to check the Country Fire Authority website for any updates on lingering smoke or changed conditions while investigations into the Strathallan fire proceed.