September 3rd, 2026Seasonal letter from the FFMVic Chief Fire Officer – spring 2026

Victoria is facing one of its warmest and driest spring outlooks in some time, increasing the risk of an earlier and more active fire season across parts of the state.
For Forest Fire Management Victoria, preparing for bushfires is a year-round job. Across parks and forests, our crews work every day to reduce bushfire risk through fuel management, preparedness activities and maintaining the capability to respond quickly when fires occur.
This year’s seasonal outlook reinforces why that work is so important.
Throughout spring, we will continue working with our emergency management partners to monitor conditions and undertake fuel management and preparedness activities in the lead-up to summer.
We are also preparing our people and equipment for the season ahead so we can respond quickly when and where bushfires occur.
With more than 1,800 frontline personnel, specialist emergency management staff, firefighting vehicles, heavy machinery and a world-class aerial firefighting fleet, our focus is on detecting, responding to and containing bushfires as quickly as possible to minimise impacts and help keep communities safe.
Everyone has a role to play in preparing for the season ahead. Victorians can do their part by having a bushfire plan, downloading the VicEmergency app and staying up to date with Fire Danger Ratings.
If you’re visiting parks and state forests, please take extra care with campfires and always know and follow the rules.
Together, we can all play a part in reducing bushfire risk and helping keep Victorian communities safe.
Visit Forest Fire Management Victoria for more information about how we’re preparing for the bushfire season.
Chris Hardman AFSM Chief Fire Officer Forest Fire Management Victoria