Preparing for the fire season

THE CFA is warning Victorians to prepare for an increase in fire activity following the release of the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer.

A lack of rainfall across western and north-eastern Victoria, parts of greater Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and south-west Gippsland means there is more fuel available, while in south-west Victoria a dry 18 months has created more fuel in forests.

The rest of the state is forecast to have a normal fire risk, and the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a higher chance of warmer maximum day and night temperatures.

“While recent fires have previewed what is expected this fire season, rest assured our crews are ready to protect Victorians and their properties,” CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said.

“Our volunteers continue to work closely alongside our interagency partners and community members on the ground to prepare for the proposed conditions and now heightened fire risk that has extended to large parts of the state.

“Now is the time for Victorians to understand their local risks, continue preparing their properties diligently, and to plan ahead with their families by reviewing their bushfire survival plan.”

At least 54 water bombing, air supervision and air intelligence gathering aircraft will be positioned across Victoria during the higher risk season.

Two large air tankers, which can operate from smaller regional airports, will also be available.

Aircraft support the work of emergency service personnel from the CFA, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria, VICSES and other agencies.

The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer is created by the AFAC – the national council for fire and emergency services – and the Bureau of Meteorology.