General News
22 December, 2022
Keep an eye on fire warnings this Christmas
Victorians hitting the road over the coming weeks for Chrsitmas, New Year’s Eve and the summer holidays are being reminded to check fire conditions before making tracks. Rainfall has seen the bushfire outlook predict a normal fire season in...
Victorians hitting the road over the coming weeks for Chrsitmas, New Year’s Eve and the summer holidays are being reminded to check fire conditions before making tracks.
Rainfall has seen the bushfire outlook predict a normal fire season in Victoria — except for parts of central, north east and eastern Victoria where the potential is below normal — however the CFA warn communities cannot become complacent.
The rain has also resulted in significant grass growth and these fuels have been drying out quickly in the northern and western parts of the state as the weather warms.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan encouraged Victorians to prepare before enjoying a much- needed break or festive getaway to see friends and family.
“You may be travelling to an unfamiliar area, or this might be the first time you’ve enjoyed unrestricted travel over the Christmas period in a few years. Either way, it’s important to understand the fire risk over the coming weeks,” he said.
“Grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25 km per hour, faster than you can run, and jump highways in the right conditions.
“Visitors should learn which fire district they are travelling to and monitor the Fire Danger Ratings every day throughout summer.”
To stay up-to-date on current warnings download the Vic Emergency app and set up watch zones for the location they’re visiting.
Those camping and hosting barbecues must also take pre-cautions this festive season, to protect themselves and their families.
“If 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,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.
“Take 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.
“Soapy bubbles will appear if gas is escaping — if this happens, turn the gas off and fix or replace the connections.”
This summer will be the first one with the new Fire Danger Rating system, introduced this year across Australia to ensure all parts of the country have a singular, easy to understand rating system.
The system reduces the number of danger levels from six in the previous system to four: Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic.
You should reconsider your travel on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating and do not travel to bushfire risk areas on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating.