THE latest Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for spring suggests that Victorians can expect a drier and warmer spring, with a high chance of an earlier start to the fire season in the central, western and northern parts of the state.
The Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes, this week joined the newly appointed Emergency Management Commissioner, Rick Nugent, to remind Victorians to prepare their properties now for the upcoming high-risk fire season.
Mr Nugent has led police operations as State Police Commander for the 2022 October floods and the pandemic response during his 35-year career with Victoria Police. Mr Nugent also played leadership roles in the operational response to the 2019-20 Victorian bushfires, major sporting events and other critical incidents.
Ms Symes said Mr Nugent had provided exceptional leadership in community safety and brought decades of experience to a role that is of vital importance to the safety of Victorians.
“We need to do everything we can to keep communities safe this fire season and bushfire preparedness is the best way to do it,” she said.
Mr Nugent said he was looking forward to his term as Commissioner.
“If you haven’t already, download the VicEmergency app and know where you can receive emergency information, including your local emergency broadcasters,” he said.
Victoria’s drier-than-average conditions are expected to continue, following below average rainfall across much of the state during winter. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) is heavily focused on preparedness as the potential for grass fires is expected to be higher after three years of wet La Niña conditions. Victorians should start to prepare their properties and continue to keep on top of fast-growing grass.
The CFA says it is working very closely with the community and emergency service partners to prepare for the high-risk weather season.
Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) is working with agencies to ensure incident management teams and Level three control centres across the state are ready to go.
Having a bushfire survival plan with your family, reducing the vegetation around your home by mowing lawns and clearing gutters, are some of the most important things you can do to prepare for the high-risk period for fires.
For more information on how to prepare for fires and other emergencies download the VicEmergency app or visit emergency.vic.gov.au.
