September 18th, 2024Early start to fire season shaping
Victoria could be facing an earlier start to the fire season this year and the CFA is asking those living in high-risk areas to take action now to prepare their family and property.
The Spring Seasonal Outlook released in recent days predicts an increased risk of fire to the southwest, west and northwestern parts of Victoria due to a drier than average first half of the year.
Without significant rainfall it is likely to lead to an above average fire risk and an earlier start to the fire season during the spring period.
The CFA is warning already that there is an increased level of hazard due to an accumulation in the amount of dead plant material resulting from reduced rainfall in the areas identified as increased risk of fire.
Grassland curing in these areas are likely to advance earlier than normal in the absence of significant rainfall.
The fire risk across the rest of Victoria is predicted to be normal, noting there is a chance the fire season may also begin earlier than normal in areas dominated by drier forests, woodlands and heathlands – inland and coastal.
The CFA says it’s ready to protect communities, and has been working with Victorian emergency service partners throughout the cooler months to prepare for the approaching fire season.
“Our crews urge the community to understand that fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and the community,” CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan says.
“We’re asking all Victorians in high-risk areas to take simple actions to prepare their family and property as the weather begins to warm,” he says.
“If you live near areas with bush, forest, long grass or coastal scrub, these actions and decisions may well save your life and property in the event of a bushfire.
“Find some time to sit down with your family or household and make a Bushfire Survival Plan, and if you already have one, it’s a great time to review it.
“It’s also the perfect time to tidy up your property, this can include clearing your gutters, pruning branches away from your roof or walls, keeping grass shorter than 10cm and removing leaves and twigs from around your property.
“I urge all Victorians to visit the CFA website to learn more about how they can prepare themselves ahead of this bushfire season at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/prepare.”
The CFA is also reminding landholders that all burn-offs must be registered, which can be done online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
