General News
7 March, 2025
Increased fire risk throughout autumn, CFA urges locals to remain vigilant
Increased risk of fire continues into autumn for some areas of the state, AFAC declares.
The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) recently declared an increased risk of fire for the western and central parts of Victoria during autumn.
Goldfields Group Officer Peter Higgins agrees there is a still a major risk of fire to occur locally.
“It is still particularly dry, so unless we get significant rain, there is still a chance,” he said.
Severe rainfall deficits over the past 12 to 24 months have impacted much of central Victoria, causing increased fuel availability.
Without significant rainfall, the flammability of fuels in forests, woodlands and heathlands will remain high.
“The forested areas are still critical, if a fire gets going in the bush from Maryborough to Talbot or Dunolly, it will burn very well, and very easily,” Mr Higgins said.
If this summer’s high winds also continue, it presents an additional fire risk.
“What has been terrible for this fire season is the wind, late afternoon winds and the relative humidity being down,” Mr Higgins said.
Autumn also has a higher chance of warmer maximum temperatures, according to the outlook. Mr Higgins said these conditions combined present a risk for local fire danger.
“Out in the open, the paddocks are quite thin with fuel, but with the right day, right wind, right direction, we will still be in a fair bit of trouble,” he said.
While the community is encouraged to remain prepared for fires, Mr Higgins also suggests that locals should discuss the matter with those in neighbouring properties to lower any risks.
“Be prepared, and have a conversation with your neighbour. Say ‘hey, what can we do about this?’,” he said.
Central parts of Victoria have shown a strong drying signal over the past year, resulting in increased vegetation drying.
“There are other ways to prepare your paddock, sometimes it’s not about burning off, sometimes it’s about cleaning up, mowing or mulching and stuff like that. Burning off is not the only answer,” Mr Higgins said.
He also warns that it’s still an offence to not comply with fire restrictions.
“The Fire Danger Period is still in place, you can still be charged for lighting a fire at the moment,” he said.
According to AFAC, autumn has begun later than average, which may delay the emergence of planned burning in some parts of the state, while raising opportunities elsewhere to target areas that are not usually available for burning under autumn conditions.
Local fire authorities will continue to monitor conditions for any changes to fire risk.
The AFAC Seasonal Outlook is the culmination of a complex analysis by expert fire specialists across Australia, and climate predictions and fire weather experts.