The start date for this year’s Victorian fire season has been set by fire authorities, following a hotter and drier start to spring and warmer conditions ahead.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) declared the first Fire Danger Period (FDP) for the 2023-34 fire season, commencing on Monday 9 October for the Wellington and East Gippsland Shire Councils.
“The predicted El Niño weather pattern means Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer than recent years and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a Bushfire Survival Plan,” said CFA Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan.
The CFA will be introducing further FDPs for Victorian municipalities in the coming months, based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.
“The FDP declaration is earlier this year which is an indication of what we can expect for the summer ahead,” Mr Heffernan said.
“While crews are ready to respond and support communities this bushfire season, fire safety is a shared responsibility and we ask Victorians to prepare and know their local risks,” he said.
“High rainfall and moisture levels over the past 12 months will have led to vegetation growth on private properties.
“We are asking anyone burning off in the next two weeks before the official FDP begins to be very careful.
“Take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up your property, prepare your bushfire plan with your family and download the VicEmergency app.”
Mr Heffernan also warned that “There is also a high likelihood that bushfire season will start earlier compared to the past two years.
“Emergency Services remain well prepared for emerging risks associated with the potential for an earlier start to bushfire season and will continue to monitor conditions.
“Our members are continuously working very closely with their communities and our interagency partners to prepare for the high-risk weather season.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and Victorians, so we urge people to begin preparing their family and property for the upcoming fire season.”
People conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website www.firepermits.vic.gov.au) or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 28 September 2023.
