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With the start of summer upon us, CFA is urging the community to act safely with nearly half of all bush and grassfires in Victoria being caused by reckless behaviour.
The summer seasonal outlook tells us to expect an above average fire season in parts of the state this year.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said recklessly or deliberately lit bush and grassfires have potentially disastrous consequences.
“These types of fires are avoidable. They put our firefighters at risk and the community at risk,” Jason said.
“We are urging everyone to be mindful of their actions and act sensibly to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
In November, CFA responded to a grass and scrub fire in Waaia that was caused by someone welding. A spark from the welding process set fire to nearby dry grass, and the fire began to spread.
The welder was unable to contain the fire on their own, and four CFA vehicles responded.
Luckily crews were able to contain the fire quickly before any real damage was done, but District 22 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Rohan Taylor said it served as a good reminder.
“In this instance it was a good outcome, but it only takes a few more small things to align, and these types of incidents can be disastrous,” he said.
Early last year crews responded to a fire in Wyndham Vale where a cigarette butt was allegedly discarded incorrectly and lit some trees on fire and impacted a house.
Reckless behaviour can include disobeying restrictions relating to total fire ban or fire danger periods, leaving campfires unattended, burning off without a permit, or using hot tools or machinery that emits flames or sparks on total fire ban days.
It is a criminal offence under Victorian law to cause a bushfire recklessly, or to be reckless as to the spread of a fire to vegetation or property belonging to another.
The official bushfire seasonal outlook for summer released by the Australian and New Zealand National Council for fire and emergency services (AFAC), suggests an increased bushfire risk for parts of Victoria this year due to severe rainfall deficits.
An increased risk of fire is forecast for the south-west and western Victoria, as well as north central, east central and south-west Gippsland.
This includes Melbourne’s outskirts and the Mornington Peninsula, where coastal heathlands and heathy woodlands will be a significant risk this summer due to high amounts of dead fuel.
Jason said all Victorians would play a role in keeping everyone safe this summer.
“It only takes one bad day to have a bad fire season, so we need to stay vigilant,” he said.
“We know we have a challenging season ahead and we want to ensure our firefighters are not being called out for things that could have been avoided.”
Fire restrictions are now in effect across most of Victoria and Chief Officer Heffernan urged people to follow the rules of the fire danger period.
“Make sure you understand the rules, they are there to keep us all safe,” Jason said.
“Before the festive season gets too busy, take time to make an escape plan, especially if you’re travelling to a bushfire risk area.
“Your plan should include which Fire Danger Rating will trigger your decision to leave, where you’ll go, and how you’ll get there. Always consider different scenarios and back-up plans.
“Leaving early, either the night before or early morning on a high-risk fire day, is the safest option.”