Victorians are being urged to prepare for a warmer-than-average summer and an increase in fire risk across many parts of Victoria, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer released today.
Some welcome spring rainfall has temporarily boosted soil moisture and green growth across large parts of the state. However, there is still long-term severe dryness across south-west and western Victoria, including north central, east central and south-west Gippsland.
These dry conditions have led to large amounts of dry and dead vegetation – increasing fuel loads and increasing the likelihood of fires over the coming months.
Areas include the far south-west, the northern slopes of the Otways, Mt Buangor State Park, Wombat State Forest and Central Highlands, and parts of Mornington Peninsula and south-west Gippsland, as well as north-central including the Kinglake and Yarra Ranges and parts of Elidon.
“With a warmer than average summer likely, our CFA crews are ready to respond and support communities as we do every year, and now is the time for Victorians to prepare their properties and create a plan,” CFA Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan said.
“Our volunteers have been engaging closely with their local community members to get fire ready and our agency counterparts to ensure we are best prepared for the increased risk of fire this season.”
Warmer-than-average summer temperatures across the state are also expected to lead to landscapes and forests drying faster – further increasing the risk of fire.
The rest of Victoria is forecast to be at a normal bushfire risk, which means fires are still likely to occur and fast-running fires are possible, particularly on hot, dry and windy days.
Victoria’s emergency services remain well prepared for the potential of fires with dedicated aircraft positioned across the state for the higher-risk weather season. This includes a mix of water bombing aircraft, air supervision and aerial intelligence gathering aircraft which can be moved quickly based on risk.
The aerial firefighting fleet will support the efforts of thousands of dedicated emergency services personnel from Country Fire Authority, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria, Victorian State Emergency Service and other support agencies.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility and it’s important that everyone understands the risks of where they live, work and travel. As summer approaches:
-Make a fire plan at fireplanner.vic.gov.au and practice enacting your plan.
-Stay up-to-date with the Fire Danger Ratings and warnings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website and always follow the advice and warnings of emergency services.
-Prepare your property, including reducing vegetation around your home by mowing lawns and clearing gutters.
The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer is developed by AFAC, the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services, and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology and state and territory fire and land managers. The Outlook provides a national picture of the likelihood of fires over the summer months.
