Above average bushfire risk this winter

EMERGENCY Management Victoria is warning there will be an above average bushfire risk for large parts of Victoria this winter.

The Australian seasonal bushfire outlook for winter indicated an above average bushfire risk is predicted for the Golden Plains area within the central Victorian region, most of southwest Gippsland, southwest and northwest Victoria, and parts of northeast Victoria this winter.

The increased risk is for incidents caused by uncontrolled events and other activities rather than long running bushfires.

Sarah Ross, deputy group officer for Grenville Group said in the last two to three weeks there have been several burn offs become out of control in the Golden Plains area including at Ross Creek, Cape Clear and Meredith.

“In the last two to three weeks we’ve had grass and scrub fires in the area and other fires that are out of control that have taken a lot longer to bring under control than they usually would at this time,” she said.

“It’s dryer than people realise. The weather might have turned colder but we haven’t had the rain.”

March and April saw the fourth highest temperatures on record, below average rainfall and an extension of the fire danger period in some areas of the state for the first time since 2019.

These conditions have combined with underlying dryness to create higher levels of dried grass and vegetation.

“The lack of rainfall, and dry vegetation across many parts of the state, is a great concern for firefighters this time of the year and we’re asking people to remain vigilant and not become complacent just because we’re not in summer anymore,” acting CFA chief officer Garry Cook AFSM said.

“While cooler days are arriving, the landscape remains dry enough to allow fires to start and spread quickly if a burn-off gets out of control, especially when coupled with strong winds.

“The impact and damage of an escaped fire on local communities and emergency services can be devastating.”

Normal rainfall is expected this winter, however, Victorians are reminded to remain vigilant especially if they are burning off.

Ms Ross urged residents to register burn offs and check weather conditions for the day of and days following.

“They need to understand their risks, they need to know the risks in their area and be prepared for their burn,” she said.

“Monitor the weather conditions not just on the day of their fire but the couple of days after.

“Have enough equipment and resources to ensure it doesn’t escape and to stop it from spreading and never leave the burn off unattended.”

The seasonal outlook for winter is developed by the Australian and New Zealand Fire and Emergency Services Council and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology, and state and territory fire and land managers.