Police & Court

Shepparton fire under investigation on day of extreme warnings

By Bree Harding

Jan 9, 2026

A fire in Shepparton bushland in the early hours of the most dangerous day weather-wise so far this summer has been deemed suspicious.

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A caller to 000 reported the fire in Lincoln Dve, near the shared walking and bike path close to the footbridge that connects it with the Australian Botanic Gardens in Kialla, at 4.31am.

Firefighters from Fire Rescue Victoria were still on the scene at 8am on Friday morning. Photo by Bree Harding

Fire Rescue Victoria, CFA and Victoria Police responded to the incident.

Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a grass fire on the banks of the Broken River, around 60m x 60m, and growing.

The fire burned close to the Broken River. Photo by Bree Harding

Five fire trucks from FRV and CFA attended.

The incident was under control at 5.09am with the last firefighters leaving the scene just after 8am.

Shepparton police said they were investigating the cause of the fire after the CFA determined there was no wind, lightning strikes or other reasons for ignition reported in the area.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage that may be of assistance to the investigation is urged to contact Shepparton police on 5820 5777 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.