General News
24 October, 2024
Region's fire season warning
After a drier-than average autumn and winter, the Wimmera Mallee is facing an increased fire risk leading into summer, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook.
Their report warns of a high chance that the bushfire season will start early in the state's west and south-west.
In the Wimmera, a substantial increase in dead and dry plant material within forests will make it easier for fires to start and spread.
Further afield, Victorians can expect an average rainfall and a warmer-than-average outlook that is likely to lead to drier-than-normal conditions.
Emergency services remain well prepared for emerging risks associated with the potential for an earlier start to the fire season, and will continue to monitor conditions to identify key risk areas leading into the summer period.
"Victorians can expect an earlier start to the fire season in the southwest and western areas due to a drier-than-average first half of the year," Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan said.
“Our brigades are continuously working very closely with their communities and our interagency partners to prepare for the high-risk weather season.
“We urge people to begin preparing their family and property for the upcoming fire season.”
Wimmera Mallee residents can stay up to date with fire danger ratings via the VicEmergency app and the VicEmergency website: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/victorians-could-see-an-increased-risk-of-fire-in-the-far-west-and-southwest-this