What exactly was stolen from the Koonoomoo site?

Thieves cut down an automated CFA fire danger sign and stole its solar battery. The unit is valued at about AU$60,000, according to media reports. The loss reduces real-time fire danger visibility for local drivers during high-risk weather and adds cost and delays to restore warning capability.

Why does this matter for insurers and investors?

Bushfires lift claim volumes and repair costs. Theft or vandalism during the same period can add expenses and service gaps. That raises insurer risk and may influence pricing, deductibles, and sub-limits on public infrastructure. Investors should watch risk engineering, reinsurance quality, and any guidance on catastrophe and security-related losses.

How can councils protect fire danger sign assets?

Use tamper‑proof enclosures, anti‑cut mounts, GPS trackers, and tilt or power‑loss alerts. Add lighting, cameras with privacy controls, and clear asset IDs. Relocate vulnerable signs, stage spare batteries nearby, and practice rapid swap procedures. Keep logs and photos to support claims and show insurers an active risk management plan.

What should we watch from government and CFA Victoria next?

Look for police updates, asset replacements, and any guidance on security standards for warning signs. Procurement may prioritise resilient designs and remote monitoring. Councils could seek grants for upgrades. CFA Victoria will likely focus on redundancy and faster restoration to keep public alerts reliable during peak fire weather.

Law and Government

January 8: CFA Sign Theft Amid Victoria Fires Flags Insurer, Infra Risk

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 8, 2026January 8, 2026

CFA Victoria is in focus after thieves cut down an automated fire danger sign in Koonoomoo on January 8 and stole its solar battery. The unit is valued at about AU$60,000. The theft occurred as multiple Victoria bushfires burned out of control, raising questions about infrastructure security and insurer risk. We explain the safety impact, legal context, and what investors should watch as governments consider warning tech upgrades and resilience spending this season across regional communities in Victoria.