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While this coming long weekend will be an opportunity for Victorians to travel across the state and gather for barbecues, CFA is urging people to be prepared and remain vigilant.
Recent fires in the Grampians, The Gurdies and The Otways serve as a reminder the fire season is just getting started and communities need to be ready as they embark on their activities.
With the fires now contained, and visitors welcome to re-enter these areas, we ask the community to stay alert. Crews are still active on the fireground, and the hot, dry conditions expected could pose challenges and elevated fire danger.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan encouraged travellers to familiarise themselves with the fire danger ratings of the area they are heading to and to monitor conditions through more than two sources of information.
“While the recent bushfires have been contained by the incredible work of our dedicated firefighters, fire risk will continue to linger over the coming months,” Jason said.
“There is still underlying soil and vegetation dryness across southwest, western Victoria, as well as parts of West Gippsland, forests and grasslands are drier than normal.
“While conditions are normal across the northeast and eastern ranges due to the recent heavy rainfall, the other areas missed out and are likely to continue to face elevated risk. It is not unusual for fires to arise in these circumstances.
“With temperatures set to reach high 20’s to mid-30’sacross the state, I want to emphasise the significance of downloading the VicEmergency App to remain alert to any fires in the region you find yourselves in.
“You may need to alter your route, so please avoid driving through high-risk areas in hot and dry conditions, and if using machinery avoid driving through dry vegetation on days such as these.”
With the state still well within fire restrictions, residents are reminded they cannot light a fire in the open air to burn off vegetation without a permit issued by a Fire Prevention Officer.
CO Jason Heffernan also urges those firing up their barbecues and outdoor cooking appliances this weekend to make sure they are properly extinguished before walking away.
“We want all Victorians to enjoy their long weekend without any surprises, so it is really important your set-up is safe,” Jason said.
“Our messages remain clear – check your equipment for any faults before use and always have someone by the fire. We also recommend having at least 10 litres of water or a hose nearby.
“Give yourself some clearance from walls, fences and flammable materials of at least three metres and continue to check wind conditions are suitable before igniting any flame.
“We know campfires, spit roasts, pizza ovens and fire pits will be popular this weekend, however if they are not within a properly constructed fireplace or exceed one metre by one metre in size, they can pose a serious fire risk.”
To understand what activities you can undertake this weekend, visit CFA’s ‘Can I or Can’t I?’ webpage.
Travel safety tips for this long weekend:
- For travel safety tips, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/travel
- Check the Fire Danger Rating by visiting www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerratings
- Download the VicEmergency app for real-time updates about emergencies across Victoria.
- Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information in the event of an emergency, including:
- ABC local radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News
- The VicEmergency App and website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
- Victorians can find out “Can I or Can’t I?” information at cfa.vic.gov.au/can
Outdoor cooking tips:
- Set up your barbecue, fire pit, spit roast, pizza oven or smoker on a stable, non-flammable surface with 3 metres of clear space around and above the fire.
- Never leave a fire unattended and keep at least 10 litres of water or hose nearby.
- Use water to fully extinguish it before walking away or going indoors.
- Ensure fire is lit in a properly constructed fireplace or in a trench at least 30cm deep.
- Check for gas leaks on your barbecues by spraying soapy water on the connections and hoses. If there is a leak, bubbles will appear when you turn on the gas.
- Never use your barbecue indoors, and ensure there is enough clearance from walls, fences, and other flammable items.
- If you're unable to extinguish the fire safely, call Triple Zero (000).