Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council, AFAC’s, newest national bushfire outlook is showing one of the warmest and driest spring outlooks, with an elevated fire danger forecast across large parts of the state.

Forest Fire Management Victoria, FFMVic, chief fire officer Chris Hardman said the seasonal outlook highlighted the importance of ongoing investment in bushfire risk reduction.

“The outlook reinforces the importance of the year-round work we do to reduce bushfire risk across Victoria’s parks and forests,” he said.

“With warmer and drier conditions forecast for spring, we will continue working with our emergency management partners to monitor conditions and undertake fuel management and preparedness works in the lead-up to summer.”

FFMVic works year-round with emergency management partners to reduce bushfire risk and protect communities and the environment.

This work includes fuel management programs, preparedness activities and maintaining the capability to respond rapidly to bushfires when they occur.

Throughout spring, crews will continue monitoring conditions and carrying out important fuel management and preparedness works across Victoria’s parks and forests to help reduce risk ahead of summer.

FFMVic is well prepared for the season ahead with more than 1800 frontline personnel supported by specialist emergency management staff, a large fleet of firefighting vehicles and heavy machinery, and a world-class aerial firefighting fleet.

“Our focus is on being ready to detect, respond and contain bushfires as quickly as possible to minimise impacts and keep communities safe,” Mr Hardman said.

Victorians who live, work or visit areas at risk of bushfires can also take practical steps to prepare, including having a bushfire plan, downloading the VicEmergency app and keeping up to date with fire danger ratings.

“Victorians can help by taking extra care with campfires and always know and follow the rules when visiting parks and state forests,” Mr Hardman said.

Residential inspections

Councils across the state have begun inspections in the lead-up to the fire season.

Councils’ delegated municipal fire prevention officers are authorised under Section 41 of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 to proactively enter properties for inspection. 

The inspections aim to identify and address potential fire hazards to protect life and property. 

If a fire risk is identified during an inspection, the property owner might be issued with a fire prevention notice.

For tips on preparing residential properties for the fire season, people can visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property. 

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