EXPERTS have predicted more fires for the Mallee this summer and the CFA has urged people to prepare during spring.
The Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (BCRC) has forecast above average fire danger for the Mallee this year and in 2013.
The prediction is partly based on heavy rains in the past two years causing widespread vegetation growth, especially in grasslands.
CFA community education co-ordinator Kevin Sleep said dryland farming areas, and areas on the rural-residential fringe were at highest risk.
Mr Sleep advised people to make fire plans for their property, including the pivotal decision to ‘stay and defend’ or ‘leave early’, and begin removing vegetation.
“The important thing is remove the vegetation, which reduces the fire intensity, which reduces the radiant heat, which is the real killer in a bushfire.”
The CFA has also planned about 250 community meetings to be held around the Loddon Mallee region, beginning in the second half of September.
