CFA crews have responded to dozens of significant fast-moving grass and scrub fires this season, which included a grass and scrub fire at Gobur on Sunday afternoon that took authorities hours to bring under control.
Leaving is your best chance for survival in case of a bushfire, and that means before you see fire or smoke, the CFA advised.
Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and bushfires often occur throughout the state.
Victorians who live in a regional area at risk of bushfire and grass fires are recommended to always leave the night before or morning of an extreme or catastrophic rating.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it was extremely difficult to think clearly during an emergency, so itwas crucial for Victorians living in high-risk areas to have a plan in place.
“It’s as simple as having a written and practised plan, so you and your family can put it into action when you’re faced with the risk of fire,” he said.
Evacuees are recommended to pack a phone charger, cash, water, spare clothes, any medication, toiletries, documents, any photos or other precious items, as well as enough food for pets.
Though extreme and catastrophic days are rare, they can be devastating, and they are judged according to how dry an area is, how much dry vegetation there is and the wind.
Places such as Katamatite, Strathmerton and Cobram are almost surrounded by grass and paddocks in which the biggest fire risk comes arguably from grass fires, which move more rapidly than other fires — up to 25km/h.
With dry and hot weather, grass that is bone dry and brown can easily catch fire, creating a large amount of radiant heat. Grass fires also create a lot of smoke, which can obscure visibility.
Residents are also advised to prepare their properties to be bushfire-ready.
Mowing lawns, clearing gutters and removing dry leaves from around grass and gardens all help in preventing damage to property.
Door mats and other objects that can catch fire, including dog beds and outdoor furniture, should be also be shifted.
Though staying and fighting a fire is a last resort and is an option that should not be taken lightly, the CFA recommends you have, as a minimum, 10,000 litres of water, a firefighting pump that is protected from radiant heat and not reliant on mains power supply, firefighting hoses that reach all the way around your home and personal protective clothing.
Those contemplating staying should think about their personal capacity (both physical, mental and emotional), the chance of the property surviving, the design of the property and its construction, as well as the equipment and resources on hand.
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