By Tanya Faulkner
A dry spring and hot summer are approaching and locals are being urged to prepare for this years’ upcoming bushfire season.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a drier spring, following our recent wetter conditions, promoting fuel growth, and identifying a higher bushfire risk in the coming months.
The Bureau is suggesting higher chances of above average temperatures combined with below average rainfall, as the nation makes the change from years of La Niña to El Niño conditions.
This prediction is supported by the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) who have also released their Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for spring this year.
These reports come as a strong reminder for Lilydale locals to start preparing for our expected summer conditions.
Coldstream CFA Captain Sean Bethell said now is the time for locals to get prepared.
“For our area, we’re probably more prone to grass fires than bush fires.
“We’ve had good rain this winter and we still have sodden paddocks around the area, but it won’t take long for them to dry out and have a high yield of growth on them for high fuel loading,” he said.
He said farmers in particular need to take action in the coming weeks to make sure their property is as safe as possible.
“Locals need to start cleaning up around their property, trimming back trees around the perimeter of their land to start making small buffers.
“Farmers need to clear up old debris around their farm, and as their grass gets closer to curing, need to mow around the boundary of their property as part of their regulations.
“They also need to make sure their machinery is well maintained and they have enough fire suppression equipment and water in case something does happen,” said Mr Bethell.
AFAC CEO Rob Webb said almost the entire country can expect drier and warmer conditions than normal this spring, and it’s important to be alert.
“Fire is a regular part of the Australian landscape in spring.
“Wherever you live, work or travel, now is the time to plan and prepare.
Understand your risk, know where you will get your information, and talk to your family about what you will do,” he said.
