The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook gives a picture of the likelihood of fire over the summer months at both a state and national level. This year's summer outlook – released today – predicts higher potential for fire in the west and south-west of the state (Casterton, Heywood, Ballarat, Avoca), as well north from Whittlesea down to the Mornington Peninsula, and across to Gippsland as far as Sale.
Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman AFSM says that due to the conditions there is a real threat of bushfire this summer, but community should have confidence in the work of emergency services.
'FFMVic works year-round with its emergency sector partners to manage and respond to bushfires.'
'We want to reassure Victorians that when a bushfire starts, we are ready to respond through aggressive first attack.'
He says FFMVic is ready to respond to fires on public land.
'Our crews have specialist skills, training and equipment for fighting fires in our state forests, national parks and reserves, including rappelling, tree-felling, and 'dry firefighting'.
Although spring rainfall has boosted soil moisture and delivered green growth across many parts of the state, severe underlying dry conditions remain, with dry and dead vegetation increasing the likelihood of fire.
FFMVic reduced bushfire risk across more than 109,000 hectares of public land last year through planned burns and other works.
