General News
26 December, 2025
Warm days increasing fire risk
SEARING temperatures forecast for summer will further dry the landscape and increase the region’s fire risk.
The summer Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook released a fortnight ago predicts warmer-than-average summer temperatures across the state.
Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said: “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.
“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.
“Despite recent rainfall, hot, dry, and windy conditions will still challenge us. Understand your local fire risks and stay informed wherever you travel to or reside this summer,” Mr Heffernan said.
The summer outlook said some welcome spring rainfall had 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.
“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.”
Emergency Management Victoria said: “Victoria’s emergency services remained 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.”
Emergency services said people should be aware of fire risks where they lived, worked and travel and prepare their fire plans early as summer now hits the region.