General News
13 September, 2023
Early start tipped to summer fire season
AN EARLY start to the summer fire season is likely in Loddon communities. Victoria’s drier than average conditions are expected to continue, following below average rainfall across much of the state during winter, according to the Australian...
AN EARLY start to the summer fire season is likely in Loddon communities.
Victoria’s drier than average conditions are expected to continue, following below average rainfall across much of the state during winter, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring.
And with predictions of a drier and warmer spring, fire agencies say there is a high chance of an early start to the fire season in the central, western and northern parts of the state.
The report says grass growth is expected to be higher than usual after three years of wet La Niña conditions.
Emergency services say they are prepared for emerging risks associated with the potential for an earlier start to the bushfire season and will continue to monitor conditions.
Acting Emergency Management Commissioner Chris Stephenson said: “Now is the time to plan and prepare for the potential for fires, by ensuring you know what to do in case of an emergency.
“Make your fire plan and talk with your family about what you will do. It’s important you understand your fire risk and familiarise yourself with the new fire danger ratings.”
“Never rely on one source of emergency information. Download the VicEmergency app and tune in to your local emergency broadcaster.”
Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said CFA crews were prepared to protect their communities.
“Our members are continuously working very closely with their communities and our interagency partners to prepare for the high-risk weather season,” he said. “Fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and Victorians, so we urge people to begin preparing their family and property for the upcoming fire season.”
Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said: “Reducing bushfire risk to protect life, property and the environment is at the heart of what Forest Fire Management Victoria does.
“We reduce bushfire risk all year round, and the drier conditions over winter have allowed our crews to recently conduct planned burns in parts of the state where conditions have been suitable and it is safe to do so – including in East Gippsland, Loddon Mallee and in the Grampians.
“Victoria will always have bushfires, and we want our communities to know that when a bushfire starts, we are ready to respond, with more than 500 seasonal firefighters recruited.”