CFA warns about risk of sparking dry grass fires

FARMERS and the wider community have been urged not to drive vehicles, farm machinery, mowers or motorbikes through dry grass to avoid sparking a fire, with Victoria’s south-west particularly at risk over the coming weeks.

A string of days with hot weather over recent weeks has completely dried out grassland in the northern areas of the state, and the CFA says fuels in the south west region are curing just as quickly.

CFA has recently responded to several significant grass and stubble fires started by mowers, vehicles or machinery.

One of these was on January 13, when crews in the state’s west stopped a 300-acre grassfire in Illabarook believed to be started by a seized bearing on a header.

The fire quickly spread to dry grass, with flames reaching about nine metres tall and requiring air firefighting appliances to support a significant ground response to bring the incident under control.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the recent fires served as a timely reminder for people to be aware of the fire risks associated with using vehicles and other machinery in and around dry grass.

“Victoria is expected to experience a grassfire dominated fire season once again but we’re asking the community to do all it can to prevent these fires from starting.

“In many areas across the state, the risk of starting a fire from hot exhaust system or other hot parts from farm machinery is high.

“Even pulling over onto tall, dry grass on the side of the road during your travels could start a significant grassfire.

“Awareness is key to preventing grass and crop fires. We also want farmers to ensure their machinery and equipment are regularly inspected, maintained and cleaned.”

High risk and agricultural activities such as harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing or mowing can quickly ignite fires in hot, dry and windy conditions.

In the right conditions, grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour and spread across roads and highways.

Victorians should stay prepared and informed this fire season, and CFA suggests people download the VicEmergency app and get familiar with the new Fire Danger Rating System by checking the rating in your area.

For your safety, you need to understand your risk and plan ahead. Know what to do on hot, dry, windy days and plan for all situations.

To learn more about the risk of grassfires on the CFA website, head to cfa.vic.gov.au/planprepare/am-i-at-risk/grassfires-rural