Victoria is facing an increased risk of fires in western and central Victoria this summer, according to the Australasian Fire Authorities Council, AFAC, Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer.
Victoria’s emergency management sector is continuing its preparedness for the high-risk weather season and Victorians are being urged to actively prepare.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said while it had been cold and still wet in some parts of the state, it was time for individuals, families and communities to prepare their properties ahead of summer.
“While Victorians can expect fire risk in the coming months to be above-average across south-western and central Victoria, rest assured, they will be well-protected this fire season,” he said.
“While we’re ready to respond and support communities as we do every year, now is the time for Victorians to prepare their families and their property and review their Bushfire Survival Plan.”
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer gives a national picture of the likelihood of an increased number of fires over the summer months.
Mr Heffernan said Victoria remained well prepared for the potential of fires, with a mix of water bombing aircraft, air supervision and air intelligence gathering aircraft positioned across the state.
“Alongside our interagency partners, CFA crews across the state have been working closely with their local areas and brigade members to ensure we are best prepared for the proposed conditions,” he said.
For the first time in Victoria, communities can create a fire plan online, customised to their needs and sharable with family and friends.
Keep up to date with the fire danger ratings on the VicEmergency App and VicEmergency website and make a plan via the new Online Fire Planner at fireplanner.vic.gov.au.
