Mildura fire danger period declared while flood warnings still in place

A town in Victoria’s northwest is being warned to prepare for both floods and fires in the next few weeks. Find out why.

Despite being at risk of flooding, Mildura has become the first region to see a fire danger period declared.

From November 21, residents in the Mallee could expect to see fires as grass dries out.

CFA chief officer Jason Hefferrnan the wet spring was actually the reason why the fire season was starting earlier than normal.
“Despite the current flooding that is occurring along the Murray River, the wet spring has generated enormous grass growth right across the Mallee which presents a fire risk,” he said.

“Parts of North West Victoria are experiencing days over 30C and the grass is drying out rapidly in these areas.”

Mildura residents have been told to prepare for both floods and fires in the next few weeks.

Swan Hill CFA assistant chief officer Gavin Wright said there were a number of things Mildura residents could do before then to prepare.

“So, we are seeing a lot of long grass growth across the Mallee because all the rain this presents a risk,” he said.

“Keep that cut-down and dispose of any green waste as safely as you can.”

Mr Wright went on say while burns could still occur, the could cause problems if they were burning too close to the fire danger period.

“If you have the ability to do burn offs you still can up to the 21st (of November), although make sure they completely extinguished,” he said.

“We have seen in the past people will do burns and then weeks later there will still be a fire because they haven’t put it all the way out.”

He stressed the importance of having a fire escape plan and staying informed.

“Make sure you have a fire escape plan and are keep up to date with the latest warnings, if you don’t have the Vic Emergency app I highly suggest you download it,” he said.

Due to the size of the region, there was chance the fire department would end up responding to floods and fire at the same time, Mr Wright said.

For the most up to date information you can go to the Vic Emergency site here.