FSC warns of grass-fire season

The Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre has released their report into Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook and has found there is an increased potential for above-normal bushfire activity this fire season because of very large areas of drying grass across the continent.

Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the outlook is consistent with expectations already held by Victoria’s fire services.

“It is early to be definitive about our summer fire conditions, however early indicators shouldn’t be ignored,” said Mr Laspley.

“Following the heavy rains last summer, and a drier than usual August, it is clear that this summer there is a potential for large grass fires and when there is more grass you have fires that can burn hotter and faster.

“We are asking people to start acting now in preparing their land for these conditions.”

CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said this year’s rainfall has changed the outlook for 2011-12 from previous seasons.

“Having endured over 10 years of drought, the outlook for 2011-12 is quite different,” said Mr Ferguson.

“We have seen a return to normalised rainfall across much of Victoria. In fact, many locations have seen above average or very much above average rain over the last 12 months.

“Across Victoria, soils are moist and at maximum capacity. The weather is warming, heralding a time of vigorous grass and crop growth and there is a high probability of significant grass fuel loads this summer.

“I am concerned that we face a significantly higher grassfire risk than we have seen in Victoria for many years.”

Department of Sustainability and Environment Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller said DSE is continuing to conduct planned burning works across Victoria to reduce bushfire risk.

“Planned burning remains the best available means for reducing fuel loads across broad areas,” said Mr Waller.

"We’ve got a big job to do and there will be a huge effort put into burning as much as possible when weather conditions are favourable.

"We’ll be burning whenever it’s safe and suitable to do so and in the areas that will give the most protection for the community.”

For more information on preparing your personal bushfire plan, please visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au.