General News
5 September, 2022
Local CFA warn complacency will be the biggest risk for community during fire season
Complacency will likely be the biggest challenge local fire brigades face this fire season, Goldfields Group Officer Peter Higgins says, with a normal bushfire potential expected for Central Goldfields Shire — and most of Victoria — during...
Complacency will likely be the biggest challenge local fire brigades face this fire season, Goldfields Group Officer Peter Higgins says, with a normal bushfire potential expected for Central Goldfields Shire — and most of Victoria — during a predicted wetter than average spring.
The prediction comes from the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook and covers the spring months, September to November.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast above median rainfall for most of Victoria throughout spring — in Maryborough in particular, there’s a 77 percent chance of above median rainfall. There’s also a 43 percent chance of an unusually wet spring.
The local region has also already experienced a wetter winter compared to last year, with 199.3 millimetres of rain falling over June, July and August compared to 169 mm during the same period last year.
In fact, Maryborough recorded its highest August rainfall since 2010 this year, with a huge 110.5 mm falling last month.
However, Mr Higgins said rain will also bring growth which could cause problems.
“The predication is it could be an average fire season — which touch wood for us I hope is true,” he said.
“However, with the rain forecast in spring and summer, there’s still going to be a fair bit of growth. It won’t take a lot of good weather to get the seasonal grass growing.
“The forested areas will probably be pretty damp, but the road side grasses will likely be reasonably thick which is the problem we’ll face.”
Mr Higgins said complacency will be a challenge for brigades and the community and urged residents to begin preparing for the fire season now.
“Complacency is going to be the big problem,” he said.
“Let’s not be lax with our fire prevention just because we’re expecting a lot of rain. On the right day with the right heat and grass curing, it can cause a problem.
“Lets be cautious and while we can, put our fire prevention measures in place like cleaning up around the house and having a fire plan. Cover all your bases.
“If it’s a bad day for fires, steer clear of the forests and high grass areas.
“The worst thing we can do is become complacent. I can’t press that point enough.”
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said being prepared in case of an emergency is key this fire season.
“Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world and even a normal fire season can present the risk of dangerous fires,” he said.
“Prepare your property ahead of this year’s fire season to minimise the chance of damage during a fire, even if you plan to leave early.
“Make sure you and everyone in your household knows what to do on hot, dry and windy days when fires can start and spread quickly.”
For tips on fire prevention and the latest advice and restrictions visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au