General News
23 October, 2023
Summer fire season preparations ramp up
FIREFIGHTERS across the Loddon are receiving final briefings before the summer season where the risk of grassfires could be high. Fire services forming regional incident management teams met in Bendigo last week and CFA group brigades were briefed...
FIREFIGHTERS across the Loddon are receiving final briefings before the summer season where the risk of grassfires could be high.
Fire services forming regional incident management teams met in Bendigo last week and CFA group brigades were briefed in Boort on Tuesday night.
CFA Loddon Mallee regional commander Bill Johnstone said while he expected a “normal season” brigades were preparing for an earlier start after recent fires in eastern Victoria.
He said there was concern for summer grassfires but “less concern about forests”.
“We are on track for a nornmal season .... a few hot days can speed up curing,” Mr Johnstone said.
Forest Fire Management Victoria deputy chief fire officer Scott Falconer said drier conditions would lead to a more active fire season.
Mr Falconer said FFMV was working to its strategy on fuel reduction burns when “safe to do so” with a focus on protection of assets close to towns.
He said there were not fuel reduction targets but “we are definitely meeting our strategy goals”.
Fire restrictions will come into force in Gannawarra Shire from November 6. No announcement has been made for the Loddon Shire.
Several shires in Gippsland have had restrictions since early October.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the predicted El Niño weather pattern meant Victorians could expect a hotter and drier summer than recent years, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a bushfire survival plan.
“While crews are ready to respond and support communities this bushfire season, fire safety is a shared responsibility and we ask Victorians to prepare and know their local risks,” he said.
“We are asking anyone burning off in the next two weeks before the official fire danger period begins to be very careful.
“Take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up your property, prepare your bushfire plan with your family and download the VicEmergency app.”
Meanwhile, the CFA’s annual Bushfire Community Survey showed 30.9 per cent would wait for emergency authorities to tell them what to do, 28.6 per cent would stay until they felt threatened and 13.8 per cent would stay and defend their property.
Mr Heffernan said it’s concerning knowing around half of all Victorians in high-risk bushfire areas are risking their lives if a bushfire was to occur.
“Victoria has had quieter fire seasons the last few years but now is not the time for the community to become complacent,” he said.
“And while our firefighters are always well prepared and your safety during fire season is a shared responsibility, so it’s vital that you understand your local risks and take actions to prepare your family.”