CFA leaders are encouraging people to ensure they are aware of any fire warnings before they get in the car to travel this summer.<\/p>\n
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said conditions can be monitored on the VicEmergency app, and people can pinpoint watch-zones of interest.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou may be travelling to an unfamiliar area, or this might be the first time you\u2019ve enjoyed unrestricted travel… in a few years; either way, it\u2019s important to understand the fire risk over the coming weeks,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
After heavy rain across the state there has been significant grass growth, which will continue to dry.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrassfires can move at speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour, faster than you can run, and jump highways in the right conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cVisitors should learn which fire district they are travelling to and monitor the fire danger ratings every day throughout summer,\u201d Mr Heffernan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all must stay vigilant around fire this season. Our crews have already responded to several grassfires this season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last year, a new simplified nation-wide fire danger rating system was implemented, with four levels; moderate, high, extreme and catastrophic.<\/p>\n
You should question the idea of travelling on extreme days, and on catastrophic days, the CFA recommends not to travel at all.<\/p>\n
Mr Heffernan also encourages people to brush up on their campsite fire safety if they\u2019re getting back to nature.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you plan to have a campfire, stay within 50 metres of it at all times and before leaving or going to bed, make sure you have fully extinguished it with water, not soil,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake the time to make the necessary safety checks on your barbecue; just spray the hose and regulator connections with soapy water before switching it on.<\/p>\n
\u201cSoapy bubbles will appear if gas is escaping. If this happens, turn the gas off and fix or replace the connections.\u201d<\/p>\n