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AFAC released its Spring Seasonal Outlook
Victoria is likely to experience an early start to the fire season this spring, with drought-affected areas facing an increased risk, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring.
In the past 18 months, Victoria has experienced low rainfall across most parts of the state, except for East Gippsland. Record low rainfall was recorded in the state's west, extending across west central and in south-west Gippsland, including the Mornington Peninsula. Lower rainfall has also been expanding into the north-central and central highlands.
This has resulted in an increase in fuel, such as dead plant material and vegetation, which has the potential to support significant bushfire potential. The more fuel available, the hotter and more intense a bushfire can become and the faster it can spread.
While winter rainfall across the south-west, central, eastern and north-east ranges could minimise the chance of fires in forests, a lack of rainfall in spring could result in above-normal fire potential in these areas leading into summer.
Green growth in paddocks during spring is also likely, but underlying dryness may result in early curing. The degree of curing influences how easily a fire can ignite and spread.
Eastern and northern Victoria is forecast to have a normal level of risk for spring, with a wetter outlook forecast for northern Victoria.
Victoria's emergency services remain well prepared for all emergencies – including bushfires, heatwaves, storms and flash flooding.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and it's important for communities to prepare now and understand their local risks.
Stay informed by downloading the VicEmergency app or checking the VicEmergency website. Make sure you understand the three levels of warnings and what they mean.
Having a fire plan and reducing vegetation around your home by mowing lawns and clearing gutters are steps you can take now to prepare for a bushfire.
The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring is developed by AFAC, the National Council for fire and emergency services in Australia and New Zealand, supported by the Bureau of Meteorology, along with state and territory fire and land managers. The Outlook gives a national picture of the likelihood of fires over the spring months.
Quotes attributable to Country Fire Authority Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan
"Our brigade members have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming fire season, but as always, fire safety must be a shared responsibility with community members.
"We're urging Victorians to take small steps to prepare and plan with their families before it is too late. Clear you winter piles, tidy up around your homes, and have your plan in place, so you know what to do if a fire breaks out near you.
"The response from the community over coming weeks will make all the difference."
