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

Fire brigades have responded to several significant grass and stubble fires started by mowers, vehicles or machinery recently

One incident in mid-January in the state’s west saw fire crews stop a 300-acre grassfire at 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 aircraft 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 25kph and spread across roads and highways.