By MICHELLE HERBISON
WEATHER over the next four to six weeks will be critical in determining the region’s fire risk this summer, according to Geelong CFA’s operations manager.
Gerry Verdoorn said predicted above-average rain during spring would allow significant growth in grasslands and scrubby fuels.
“On top of that, if it all dries out, that’ll be the trigger for us to have a greater risk.”
A recent Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre report warned the Geelong region would experience “above normal fire potential” for the 2013/2014 season.
“Forests are expected to be more flammable than normal due to the lingering effect of last summer’s extreme dryness and heat, with dry underlying soil profiles and more abundant dead elevated, near-surface and bark fuels in these forests,” the report said.
“Despite some chance of above average spring rains and reasonable winter rainfall, significant underlying dryness is likely to continue to be present in many western and central forests.”
Victoria had experienced below-average rain over the past 12 months, the report said.
Mr Verdoorn said this season fire-fighters would continue to enhance local, regional and state-level incident management processes established following Black Saturday.
“While people need to be alert, vigilant and make sure they’re now updating their fire plans, we’ll issue warnings in a timely, tailored manner as a priority.”
Rain, warmth in record winter – page 10
