Many of the places Victorians love to enjoy on their summer holidays are in a heightened fire risk area so before hitting the roads this festive season, firefighters are urging Victorians to be aware of conditions to safeguard their families.
Those travelling close to parks, reserves and open grasslands or paddocks need to be alert and stay informed.
While there has been above-average rainfall in parts of the state across October and November, the bureau’s outlook for hotter and drier conditions can quickly dry out the fuels with significant fires a real possibility towards the end of December and into January.
Whether you are spending Christmas on the Bellarine Peninsula, celebrating New Year’s in Lorne, or visiting family on the Surf Coast, it is important to be aware of your risk.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan encouraged Victorians to prepare before enjoying a much-needed break or festive getaway to see their friends and family.
“You may be travelling to an unfamiliar area and it’s important to understand the fire risk of your holiday location,” he said.
“Now is not the time to become complacent. Grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25km/h, faster than you can run, and they can jump highways in the right conditions.
“Visitors should learn about the area they are travelling to and monitor the Fire Danger Ratings every day throughout summer.”
After a flurry of activity to start the fire season with large grass and bushfires breaking out particularly in the north west and north east of the state, it’s important to remember fire safety is a shared responsibility.
“We have already seen some large grassfires this season, Victorians must stay vigilant, have a fire plan in place and be ready to act,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Bushfires and rural grassfires do impact built up areas, so it really is everyone’s responsibility to be fire ready.
“Recent growth across pastures, woodlands and roadside reserves has created unbroken stretches of dried grass along many roadsides, increasing the chance of roadside fires.
“It is also important not to drive if you can see smoke or fire. Thick smoke will make it hard to see and make accidents more likely.”
Victorians are urged to download the VicEmergency app and set up watch zones for the location they’re visiting.
Reconsider your travel on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating and do not travel to bushfire risk areas on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating.
Traveler safety tips:
Download the VicEmergency app for real-time updates about emergencies across Victoria or visit emergency.vic.gov.au.
Check the fire danger ratings every day
Keep roads clear for emergency services
Reconsider travel through bushfire risk areas on ‘Extreme’ days and do not travel to bushfire risk areas on days of a ‘Catastrophic’ Fire Danger Rating.
For all travel safety tips, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-and-during-a-fire/leave-early/staying-safe-when-you-travel
