Walter Peak Fire update #3

6 October 2026

Firefighting operations have ceased for the night at Walter Peak, where a vegetation fire has been burning since this morning.

Assistant District Commander Nic McQuillan says that a significant area of fire has been extinguished this afternoon thanks to the efforts of firefighters and helicopter pilots, but the fire is not yet contained or controlled.

The main area of active fire is around McKinlays Creek, east of the Walter Peak homestead. Conditions remain windy with norwesterly winds forecast to continue tomorrow with some light rain likely in the afternoon.

The most recent aerial reconnaissance showed the size of the fireground had increased from about 146 hectares to about 390 hectares.

People will continue to see signs of fire and smell smoke overnight. Those in areas affected by drifting smoke, including Hanleys Farm and Jacks Point, should keep doors and windows shut to avoid exposure to the smoke.

Both ground and air operations will resume in the morning, with 10-15 firefighters supported by three helicopters with monsoon buckets, and a fourth helicopter used for directing the air attack.

Nic McQuillan says watercraft should stay well offshore from Walter Peak tomorrow when helicopters resume flying, so they do not interfere with the aircraft filling their monsoon buckets from the lake.