Police & Court

Raftery’s Track fire deemed suspicious

By Bree Harding

Dec 19, 2025

Police are seeking information about a fire in bushland along Raftery’s Track.

Shepparton police suspect a fire that burnt an area of land in Kialla on the hottest day of December so far — while firefighters battled several other blazes across Victoria — was deliberately lit.

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Before the temperature soared to 41ºC on December 18, emergency services were called to reports of a fire at Raftery’s Track, near Raftery Rd in Kialla, shortly after 8am.

Forest Fire Management Victoria confirmed .1ha of land (100m x 100m) was burnt before the fire was brought under control at 7.30pm the same day.

FFMV deployed 10 firefighters, four 4WD slip-ons (LandCruisers), a heavy tanker and a skid steer (small tractor) to the scene, while five CFA units also assisted the operation.

Firefighters patrolled the fire ground during the day, blacking out numerous hotspots.

Crews returned the following day, December 19, for further patrols, to break up logs, water areas down and perform hazardous tree assessments to make them safe.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has footage or any information, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au or phone Shepparton Criminal Investigation Unit on 5820 5777.