Grass fire alert

FAST-MOVING grass fires will be a significant threat this summer, a new report has revealed.
Fire services are urging farmers and landowners to start preparing their bushfire plans following the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre investigation into Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook.
It found there was an increased potential for above-normal bushfire activity this fire season because of very large areas of drying grass.
Fire services commissioner Craig Lapsley said it was early to be definitive about upcoming summer fire conditions.
“However early indicators shouldn’t be ignored,” he said.
“Following the heavy rains last summer, and a drier than usual August, it is clear that this summer there is a potential for large grass fires and when there is more grass you have fires that can burn hotter and faster.
“We are asking people to start acting now in preparing their land for these conditions.”
CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson said this year’s rainfall would make for a different fire season to previous, drought-ridden years.
“Many locations have seen above average or very much above average rain over the last 12 months,” he said.
“Soils are moist and at maximum capacity.
“The weather is warming, heralding a time of vigorous grass and crop growth and there is a high probability of significant grass fuel loads this summer.
“I am concerned that we face a significantly higher grassfire risk than we have seen in Victoria for many years.”
Department of Sustainability and Environment chief fire officer Ewan Waller said DSE was continuing planned burning works to reduce bushfire risk.
“Planned burning remains the best available means for reducing fuel loads across broad areas,” Mr Waller said.
“We’ll be burning whenever it’s safe and suitable to do so and in the areas that will give the most protection for the community.”
Visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au for more information on bushfire plan preparation.