News

Warning sign vandalised during high fire danger period

By Bree Harding

Jan 14, 2026

A solar battery has been stolen after an automated fire danger sign was cut down.

An automated CFA fire danger sign near Cobram was cut down only days before bushfires spread across Victoria.

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The sign, on the corner of Goulburn Valley Hwy and Greens Lane at Koonoomoo, was cut down between 8am and 1pm on Wednesday, January 7, when temperatures soared to 43ºC.

The following two days were predicted to reach 45ºC and 44ºC in the region.

Cobram Crime Investigation Unit detectives said the sign’s solar battery was stolen, while the damaged remains were left.

The sign, which alerts the community to the local fire safety danger ratings, is estimated to be worth around $60,000.

“To damage a sign that alerts the community to the fire danger rating is completely reckless and dangerous,” Cobram CIU Detective Acting Sergeant Leah Booth said.

“You are not only cutting down and damaging a sign, but you are also potentially putting the wider community at risk.”

Detectives are urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

Anyone with vision or information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au