Speaking on the eve of summer, Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said the massive growth in grass and other vegetation - thanks to recent rains - was quickly drying out and becoming fuel for fires.
“It only takes a few weeks of hot, dry weather to create a considerable fire risk. In North-West Victoria the grass is almost 100 per cent cured already and the rest of the state won’t be far behind,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Grass fires can claim lives and property as we saw in the horrific fire at Lara in January 1969. They start quickly and spread rapidly travelling at speeds of more than 20km per hour. They produce large amounts of radiant heat that can kill anyone caught out in the open including travelling on roads.”
Mr Ferguson said Victorians, especially in high-risk areas, need a written and practiced Bushfire Survival Plan to help protect themselves and their family.
“When preparing your plan consider the needs of children, the elderly, people with special needs or disability, pets and livestock,” he said.
“Fires don’t arrive at convenient times – think about what you will do if fire threatens on a work day, during school holidays, when you are away from home. When will you leave your home, where will you go, what will you do if your plan fails?
“You can help protect your home and property from grassfire now by slashing, mowing, grazing, spraying and using herbicide, and creating fuel breaks by removing all fuel (vegetation) down to the soil.”
CFA encourages people living in high-risk areas to attend a Fire Ready Meeting or join a Community Fireguard group as part of their preparation for fire season.
“Attending a Fire Ready meeting is one of the simplest ways to start preparing for fire season and increase your home and your family’s chances of surviving a bushfire," Mr Ferguson said.
“Meetings cover information on fire behaviour, Code Red days and preparing your home."
To find Fire Ready Meetings in your area, download a Fire Ready Kit or find our more about preparing for the fire season, go to www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
For more information contact:
CFA Media (03) 5330 3124
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