Before hitting the roads this summer on your travels, CFA is urging Victorians to check local conditions, download the VicEmergency app and familiarise yourself with Fire Danger Ratings.
Recent conditions have resulted in significant grass growth across the state, with fuel loads quickly drying out in the western and central parts.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan reminds Victorians if you are travelling or holidaying across the state this summer to make sure you are fire ready.
“We encourage our communities to be well-prepared as they head off on their well-earned break or festive getaway with their friends and family,” CO Heffernan said.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility so Victorians cannot become complacent about the fire risk this season.
“Stay informed, be prepared, and pack some essential items like water, blankets, and protective clothing so you’re ready to leave when you need to.”
CO Heffernan said there is a simple checklist to follow to ensure you are safe to travel.
“It’s important to be aware of the weather conditions, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Ban declarations in the areas you are travelling through each day this summer,” CO Heffernan said.
“It’s a good idea to download the VicEmergency app, check the CFA website and listen to local radio for warnings and updates.
“Within the app you can set up watch zones for the location you’re visiting, that way you will receive a notification for any fires or other emergency incidents in that area.”
Should conditions change, Victorians should be prepared to alter their travel plans.
“On hot, dry and windy days, have a back-up location to visit that is not in a high-risk bushfire area,” CO Heffernan said.
“If you're staying in a high-risk bushfire area, the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day on a Catastrophic or Extreme day.
“We know grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour, faster than you can run, and can jump highways in the right conditions - so we need everyone to be well alert.”
Victorians should reconsider travel on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating and those camping and hosting barbecues must be aware of what they can and can’t do during a Total Fire Ban day.
“Check CFA’s Can I, Can’t I? guide on our website for more information to ensure you are protecting yourselves and your families,” CO Heffernan said.
“If you plan to have a campfire this summer, check the conditions, always have a person near it and fully extinguish it with water before leaving or going to bed.
Traveller safety tips:
- For all travel safety tips including the checklist, visit: here.
- Learn about the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System on the CFA website.
- Check the four-day Fire Danger Period forecast for your area.
- Download the VicEmergency app for real-time updates about emergencies across Victoria or visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
- Reconsider travel through bushfire risk areas on ‘Extreme’ days and do not travel to bushfire risk areas on days of a ‘Catastrophic’ Fire Danger Rating
- Stay informed and, be prepared and pack some essential items so you're ready to leave when you need to.