General News
3 December, 2024
Authorities warn significant parts of Victoria earmarked for increased fire activity this summer
Victorians are being urged to prepare for an increase in fire activity across large parts of the state this summer, with the messaging for locals clear — you light it, you own it.
Released last week, the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer highlights a significant part of south-western and central Victoria, including Maryborough and the Central Goldfields, can expect to see increased fire activity throughout summer.
A lack of rainfall across most of western Victoria, along with a dry 18-months in the state’s south-west has resulted in more fuel within forests, making it easier for fires to start and spread.
In addition to this, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is forecasting a higher chance of warmer maximum day and night temperatures over summer.
Goldfields Group Officer Peter Higgins said the writing is on the wall for local residents, who need to be “very wary” this summer.
“There is talk of some rain this week but the indicators from mid-December onwards suggest it’s going to be very hot and dry,” he said
“January and February, if the conditions are right, could particularly be prone to fire activity and as such, everyone in the community needs to be very, very wary of what they’re doing.”
Last year saw a more than 50 percent increase in vegetation fires recorded last Fire Danger Period (FDP), with over 2100 incidents seen across the state.
This was accompanied by a 21 percent rise in fire investigations, revealing many of these incidents were avoidable, CFA’s Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said.
“Many of the incidents we investigated — such as escaped burn-offs and machinery-related fires — were preventable with proper preparation and compliance with fire safety regulations,” he said.
“Fires on Total Fire Ban days remained a major concern during the last FDP, with 449 incidents recorded.”
Of these incidents, 35 percent were caused by escaped burn offs, campfires or were linked to machinery.
Mr Higgins said these figures clearly illustrate the community’s role in fire prevention.
“We are very firmly holding to that catch phrase ‘you light it, you own it’,” he said.
“We are quite clearly in the bushfire outlook’s zone for increased fire activity and it’s critical members of the community keep that in mind.
“I really want to emphasise the community’s role in fire prevention — talk to your neighbours, come up with a plan, stay informed and do not put yourself in a situation where you inadvertently cause a fire.”
Victoria’s emergency services remain well prepared for the potential of fires, with at least 54 dedicated aircraft positioned across the state as part of the core fleet for the higher risk weather season. This includes a mix of water bombing, air supervision and air intelligence gathering aircraft, which can be moved quickly, according to risk.
Returning this year are two Large Air Tankers, which can operate from smaller regional airports as they require less room for take-off and landing, making them more agile to move around the state. Two Aircranes are also contracted to join the fleet once their service period in North America concludes.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Chief Fire Officer, Chris Hardman, said recent fires across the state offer a snapshot of what fire activity could look like this summer.
“Recent fires and hot, dry weather conditions in Victoria are a clear warning about the risks this summer,” he said.
“FFMVic has more than 1800 frontline staff ready to respond and protect our communities — from fire lookout tower observers detecting fires as soon as possible and rappel crews responding to keep remote bushfires small to our permanent and seasonal firefighters working hard in challenging terrain to contain any bushfires that may start.
“We of course want Victorians and visitors to our state to enjoy their summer but encourage them to do so safely and with awareness of the season and risks.”
Residents are encouraged to keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings and warnings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website. Make a fire plan at fireplanner.vic.gov.au.