With grassfires a key concern for the South West region, the CFA is working alongside other local emergency services on significant preparation to ensure it is ready to respond to emergency incidents this fire season.
"Grassfires will be our main concern in the South West region this fire season," CFA Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Wayne Aylmer said.
"Conditions right across the region are very wet right now, but we'll start to see northern parts of the region begin to dry out sooner than areas in the south."
Community members are encouraged to play their role in managing bushfire risk, in a team effort with CFA, Forest Fire Management Victoria, the Surf Coast Shire Council and local emergency services.
The Fire Danger Period for the Surf Coast Shire will begin at 1am on Saturday 24 December 2022.
The lead-up to the Fire Danger Period is an ideal time for people to renew bushfire survival plans and prepare their property to minimise risk to themselves, their family, and their community. Surf Coast Shire Councillor Gary Allen said residents had a responsibility to be fire prepared, which included preparing their property at the earliest opportunity.
"Community members should reduce vegetation, with a focus on the areas closest to your house," Cr Allen said. "To help with this, the Council has distributed three green waste vouchers to ratepayers so please utilise them. You can also call staff from the Council so they can attend your property and provide valuable advice on reducing your risk."
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andrew Morrow said strategic fuel breaks around coastal townships and along the Great Ocean Road will be maintained as part of our summer preparedness program.
"The FFMVic team will continue with mulching, grass slashing and mowing activities, and take opportunities to undertake planned burning when safe to do so around the Surf Coast Shire, to ensure safer communities. We will also be on readiness throughout summer to respond to bushfire."
Surf Coast Shire residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about the weather and fire activity during the Fire Danger Period. Verified information sources include the VicEmergency app, Radio ABC 774, CFA website (cfa.vic.gov.au), Sky News television station, and the VicEmergency hotline (1800 226 226).
Victorians should also familiarise themselves with the new fire danger rating system - which is now four levels and nationally consistent - and check the ratings daily this summer on the VicEmergency app or CFA website. The CFA website also features information on preparing a bushfire survival plan, which will help people understand the risk in their local area.
