Hot and dry summer increases Summer bushfire risk for Victoria

The state’s emergency services are urging Victorians to “be prepared” for an increased risk of bushfires ahead of predicted warm temperatures and lack of rain.

Victorians are being urged to practice their bushfire escape plan ahead of a hot and dry summer.

Victorians should brace themselves for a drier and warmer summer — and with it the risks of “ferocious” bushfires.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville met this morning with the CFA, Forest Fire Management Victoria, MFB, Victoria Police, VicSES and the Bureau of Meteorology in a bid to ensure all state authorities were ready for the season ahead.

Ms Neville said the outlook was for warmer temperatures and less rain than normal which meant communities had to be prepared.

“We have seen in Queensland and New South Wales with the ferocious fires they have had (which means) Victoria needs to be as prepared and as ready as possible … It’s really critical.”

She was confident the state was ready but urged all Victorians to start thinking about the fire danger now.

“The time is right now for families and communities to prepare — know when you should leave and practice.”

Gippsland is causing concern for authorities which has had record low rainfall, which comes as with some areas are still in recovery mode after fires earlier this year.

There is also concern about Victoria’s west where there has been good rainfall that’s increased fuel levels.

Emergency Management Victoria commissioner Andrew Crisp said it was a fact of life that living in Victoria there would be a hot summer “and there will be fires”.

MORE NEWS

DAD BEHIND SUSPECTED MURDER-SUICIDE NAMED

ST JAMES, ST BEDE’S BOYS’ SCHOOLS ANNOUNCE MERGER PLANS

MAN IN UNDIES FIGHTS OFF CAR THIEVES

The danger existed across Victoria.

“We can’t be complacent across any part of the state.”

Night-time helicopter firebombing, that was successfully trialled last year, would also return this summer, he said.

[e-mail]