Authorities have urged local landowners to clean up fire hazards around their properties amid forecasts of above-average temperatures across greater Geelong leading into summer.
State Government and the CFA advised all Victorians to “prepare early” on the eve of the state’s Fire Action Week, concluding this Sunday.
Bureau of Meteorology forecasts have added urgency to the action week, especially across the Geelong region.
The bureau expects that Geelong’s maximum temperatures from October to December will “very likely” be higher than average.
Minimums above average are also “likely”, the bureau predicts.
State Government said “current weather and climate conditions” had already prompted fire agencies to begin their annual preparations earlier this year.
“Fire Action Week is a time to take action and ensure you, your family and your friends are ready for what is forecast to be a hot, dry summer,” said Emergency Services Minister James Merlino.
“Our emergency management personnel have started their preparations, so now it’s up to all Victorians to understand their local fire risk and develop a fire plan.”
The Government described Fire Action week, from 7 to 14 October, as “a perfect opportunity for people to speak to family, friends and neighbours about what to do on hot, dry and windy days, including when to leave and where to go to stay safe”.
“Victorians can stay up-to-date with emergency warnings by tuning into Victoria’s emergency broadcasters including ABC local radio and Sky News , phoning the VicEmergency hotline 1800 226 226, visiting emergency.vic.gov.au, and downloading the VicEmergency app,” the government advised.”
CFA chief officer Steve Warrington said Victoria faced potential for an earlier and longer fire season after completing the state’s second-driest September on record.
“Taking steps to get prepared before the fire season means you know what to do when you’re at risk,” Chief Officer Warrington said.
“Preparing your property means you minimise the chance of property damage during a fire, even if you plan to leave early, so keep trees, overhanging branches and shrubs to a minimum near your home, particularly around and under windows. A big clean up before the fire season can make a huge difference to the safety and survival of your home in a bushfire.
“You also need to plan and prepare for your safety. Pack important documents, photos, medications, money and clothes so you can leave easily before a fire starts.
“Understand your risk and plan ahead. Know what to do on hot, dry, windy days when fires will start and spread quickly.
“Plan for all situations by talking to your family and friends about how you’ll know when to leave, where you’ll go and how you’ll get there.”
