General News
17 September, 2024
West warned of increased danger of fire this spring
After a drier-than average autumn and winter, the Wimmera Mallee is facing an increased fire risk leading into summer, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring, released last week.
There report warns of a high chance that the bushfire season will start early in the state's west and south-west.
In this region a substantial increase in dead and dry plant material within forests will make it easier for fires to start and spread.
Further afield, Victorians can expect an average rainfall outlook and a warmer-than-average spring that is likely to lead to drier-than-normal conditions.
Emergency services remain well prepared for emerging risks associated with the potential for an earlier start to the fire season and will continue to monitor conditions to identify key risk areas leading into the summer period.
"Victorians can expect an earlier start to the fire season in the southwest and western areas due to a drier-than-average first half of the year," Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan said.
“CFA crews across the state are prepared to protect their communities once again.
“Our brigades are continuously working very closely with their communities and our interagency partners to prepare for the high-risk weather season.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and Victorians so we urge people to begin preparing their family and property for the upcoming fire season.”
The Outlook for Spring is developed by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council supported by the Bureau of Meteorology and state and territory fire and land managers.
Wimmera Mallee residents can stay up to date with fire danger ratings via the VicEmergency app and the VicEmergency website: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/victorians-could-see-an-increased-risk-of-fire-in-the-far-west-and-southwest-this