By Oliver Lees
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) is urging landholders not to be complacent this bushfire season, despite recent forecasts suggesting below normal fire potential in the north-west of Victoria.
According to the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services’ Bushfire Seasonal Outlook for Spring, a forecast of above average rainfall is expected for the north-west and central ranges, which in turn will reduce the likelihood of a harsh beginning to the fire season before summer.
But CFA north-west region community engagement co-ordinator Paul Tangey said it’s dangerous to risk safety over a forecast that could change quickly.
“Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas in the world,” Mr Tangey said.
“People need to remain fire ready, not just in summer, but all year round.
“And fire danger periods are not just the summer months. I don’t want to get to the end of February and have people think the fire season is over.”
Mr Tangey said the fact that no restrictions were yet to be in place across the Macedon Ranges was due to the above average rainfall of the last few months.
According to Mr Tangey, a region’s fire restriction period is determined following a ‘crunch test’.
Collaborating with local fire bridge and councils, CFA groups assess how much of a region’s area has become dry to the point that leaves and twigs crunch when stamped on.
“What they need to do is determine when more than half of an area is going to be like that, that’s when the restrictions are brought in,” Mr Tangey said.
Mr Tangey said he could not forecast when restrictions would be introduced in the shire, but warned that historically the area has been prone to bush and grass fires.
“It’s important to do everything to prepare, so that includes making sure your grass is slashed to less than 10-centimetres and making sure that you’ve cleaned up anything that has the potential to burn on your property,” he said.
“Leaves, twigs, bark, clear it all up, and make sure you’ve put other unnecessary hazards like the fuel for the whipper snipper.”
Details: www.cfa.vic.gov.au
