Victoria’s fire services have warned the community not to be complacent about the likelihood of bushfires this summer despite the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for November to February indicating a “normal” fire risk was on the cards.
The outlook, developed by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre with the Bureau of Meteorology and relevant State fire and land managers, was released earlier this week.
It forecasts that the influence of an expected La Niña weather pattern is expected to produce average to above average rainfall during Spring and above average rainfall for much of Victoria from December to February.
As a result it suggests the State is likely to experience a less severe bushfire season this summer compared to last year, particularly in the east.
It forecasts however that the above average rainfall in Spring will lead to significant grass growth, giving summer the potential to be more of a grassfire-dominated season.
Acting Chief Officer of the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Alen Slijepcevic said that as one of the world’s most bushfire-prone areas, even a normal fire season in Victoria presented a high risk to communities.
“We urge all Victorians in high-risk areas to prepare their properties and take particular care while using harvesting and other machinery,” Mr Slijepcevic said.
“You also need to plan and prepare for your safety so you, and everyone in your household, know what to do on hot, dry, windy days when fires can start and spread quickly.”
He said grassfires travelled faster than most people could run and they jump highways.
“So you need to activate your fire plan on those high risk days before a fire starts,” he said.
Chief Fire Officer with Forest Fire Management Victoria, Chris Hardman said some Victorian forests may be damp enough to expect below-average fire activity, but even a normal fire season can be dangerous so there’s no room for complacency.
“We urge anyone enjoying our parks and outdoors to be extremely careful when using fires,” Mr Hardman said.
“If you’re lighting a campfire this summer, make sure you never leave it unattended and that you put it out properly before you leave as these can otherwise cause devastating bushfires,” he said.
Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner Ken Block said the forecast rainfall, mixed with warm weather, meant grassfires were likely to be the biggest risks of the season.
“No matter where you live, but particularly if you live on the urban fringe, you must be aware of the risks and start preparing early,” Mr Block said.
“If your property is next to grassland and a fire starts near your home, walk two streets back and keep clear of responding fire trucks,” he said.
