Summer has arrived in Victoria, which also means the arrival of bushfire season.

Australia has experienced record-breaking dry conditions and warmer than average temperatures during early spring, with hot and dry conditions expected to persist into the new year for many locations.

Abundant vegetation growth supported by previous La Niña rainfall will continue to dry throughout summer, increasing the flammability of fuel loads.  Rainfall over winter and spring has been significantly lower which means above-average fire potential can be expected in eastern, western and central Victoria.

In western and central Victoria, a very dry winter and spring has led to significant rainfall deficits and very low soil moisture. Much of this is evident in terms of above-average fuel availability in dry forests, woodlands and heathlands which means above average fire potential is expected in these areas through summer.

Jason Amos, Manager, Emergency Management, encourages all staff and their families to download the VicEmergency app and store the VicEmergency phone number – 1800 226 226 – in their phone.

“If you live in a bushfire prone area, make sure you prepare your property for bushfire,” he said.

“If you live next to grassland and a grassfire starts, walk at least two streets back from the fire. If you live two or three streets away from grassland and a grassfire starts, stay where you are – grassfires are unlikely to spread into built-up areas.”

To prepare a property for a bushfire, the CFA urges the following steps:

• Mowing lawn and clearing gutters – property maintenance throughout the fire season is key
• Prune back overhanging tree branches and keep shrubs under trees short
• Move wood piles away from the home during the warmer months
• Remove dry grass, leaves or twigs from around the house and garden
• Water lawn to help slow a fire down
• Bring door mats inside the house. Removing dog beds, rubbish and outdoor furniture is also important

It is vital to understand and monitor the Fire Danger Rating – a scale that forecasts how dangerous a fire would be if one stared. They are forecast four days in advance, using Bureau of Meteorology weather data and other environmental conditions such as fuel loads.

Northern Health staff who undertake home visits as part of their duties, must complete the CFA’s Bushfire Safety for Workers eLearning module.

For more information on how to stay safe during bushfire season, please click here.