Community
3 November, 2023
Earlier fire season predicted
WITH predictions of a drier and warmer spring, and a high chance of an early start to the fire season in most parts of the state, local CFA crews are preparing for a busy season.
According to CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan, residents can expect a warmer spring and earlier start to the fire season this year.
“CFA crews across the state are again prepared to protect their communities,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Our members are continuously working very closely with their communities and our interagency partners to prepare for the high-risk weather season.
“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.”
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.
Despite below average rainfalls for winter, grass growth is expected to be higher than usual following three years of wet La Niña conditions.
There is also a high likelihood that bushfire season will start earlier, compared to the past two years, across much of central, western and northern Victoria.
Remaining parts of the state are expected to see normal fire potential. However, hot, windy conditions can still pose a fire risk.
Emergency services remain well prepared for emerging risks associated with the potential for an earlier start to bushfire season and will continue to monitor conditions.
It’s important for communities to understand their local risks.
You can keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website.
Forest Fire management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said protecting life, property and the environment was 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 the Grampians,” Mr Hardman said.
“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 to work alongside our full-time crews and emergency sector partners.”
