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Food for thought

Firefighters are preparing for potentially one of the worst bushfire seasons across north-west Victoria with above-average rainfall producing excessive fuel loads. 

Swan Hill Fire Brigade captain Dennis Turner said the amount of fuel load in grasslands meant it was likely to be one of the worst seasons since 2012. 

“With the dry summer in 2015-16, when nothing grew, and 2016, when we had all the rain in winter and spring, the fuel load is probably the worst in about four years, no matter where you are in the state,” Mr Turner said. 

“I would strongly suggest that, if people have not done anything about fire prevention works, they start now. 

“Fire restrictions have been delayed this year because it has been wet and not many people have been able to do any preparation work this spring.”

To read more about this story, grab a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (October 19). 

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