Victoria prepares for upcoming fire season

Victoria’s emergency services are holding pre-summer season briefings across the state in preparation for the 2024/25 fire season.

A recent briefing in Portland was attended by more than 70 representatives from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), the State Emergency Service (SES), Victoria Police, Department of Health, local councils and supporting agencies.

In addition to a detailed presentation on the bushfire conditions expected in the region this summer, agencies provided an overview of their organisation’s plans for the fire season ahead.

AFAC – the national council for fire and emergency services – has forecast an above average fire season for the Far South West District in its Spring Seasonal Bushfire Outlook.

Forest Fire Management Victoria Far South West District Manager Sheree Mirtschin said the forecast for an above average fire season for the Far South West highlighted the importance of taking a year-round approach to preparing for summer bushfires.

“Throughout the year, we’ve conducted planned burns across the district when conditions permit, while also completing maintenance on strategic fire breaks and access tracks; as well as mulching, mowing, slashing and spraying as part of our preparations.”

“Now is also the time for the community to make sure they are ready for summer by preparing their properties and having up to date fire plans in place.”

Authorities have been busy preparing for these conditions, with actions happening across the state to reduce risk and improve community safety.

FFMVic prepares for bushfires all year through a range of actions, including planned burning, mechanical works, hazardous tree management, mulching and maintaining strategic fuel breaks.

The workforce will be bolstered by up to 550 seasonal firefighters joining the workforce to help deliver fire and land management activities and respond to bushfires and other emergencies.

FFMVic’s firefighting equipment includes more than 500 ultralight tankers and close to 100 heavy tankers, as well as more than 300 additional plant and trucks including dozers, tractors, graders, loaders, forklifts and excavators.

The ground fleet is supported by an aerial fleet of 54 aircraft contracted for the 2024-25 summer season. The fleet includes a mix of firebombing aircraft, air supervision and aerial information gathering aircraft.

Authorities are reminding the community that bushfire safety is a shared responsibility.

Now is the time to develop a fire plan and prepare your properties for the hotter months.

More information

Visit CFA Plan and Prepare.