Just because you live in a built-up suburban area doesn’t mean the fire can’t get you, the brigades warn.
This warning comes as a CFA survey reveals that more than half of all Victorians living in areas at high risk of bushfire believe they will definitely get an official warning if threatened by a bushfire, meaning many Victorians could be leaving it too late to act.
The CFA’s Bushfire Community Survey, undertaken annually since 2009-10, also showed more than a third of Victorians expected they would be told when to leave if threatened by a bushfire.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said while emergency services were well prepared and Victoria had an effective integrated warning system, including the VicEmergency app and emergency broadcasters, there may be some circumstances when Victorians may not get a warning.
“Fires can spread within minutes,” Mr Heffernan said.
“On hot, dry and windy days fires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes. You need to be prepared and paying attention to the weather conditions ahead of time.
“The community needs to know their triggers and use their senses such as sight and smell as well as their common sense to enact their fire plan.
“Grass fires are prevalent this season and can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour and jump highways.”
While this year’s fire season outlook indicates a lower risk of prolonged bushfires, grass fires remain a high risk to the region after strong rainfall and fuel growth during spring and summer.
“Do not drive into or through high-risk areas on hot, dry, windy days. Plan an alternate route or delay your travel, if possible. Those living in or visiting regional Victoria should monitor conditions every day and have a bushfire safety plan in place,” Mr Heffernan said.
The survey also showed nearly one in five believed they would definitely get help from the CFA if impacted by bushfire, while more than a third believed they were likely to.
“CFA’s mission is to save lives and property and of course we will do everything we can to respond to everyone who needs us, but there are times during major bushfires when we simply can’t get a truck to every house,” Mr Heffernan said.
“People need a plan — exactly what are you going to do for your family, loved ones, pets and other animals if a fire occurs and a fire truck may not be able to get there. If you have a plan, you can act to survive.”
Victoria’s integrated warning system includes the VicEmergency website, app and social media channels, VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226, emergency broadcasters including ABC radio, Sky News TV, commercial radio and select community radio stations.
Warnings are issued when an incident is occurring, and you need to act, the CFA said. Make sure you understand the three levels of warnings and additional messages such as ‘evacuate now’:
• Advice — An incident is occurring or has occurred. Access information and monitor conditions.
• Warning (watch and act) — An emergency is developing nearby. Conditions are changing, and you need to act now to protect yourself and your family.
• Emergency warning — You are in imminent danger and need to act now.
• Evacuation — An evacuation is recommended or procedures are in place to evacuate.
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