CLOSE to half of Victorians living in bushfire-prone areas are not concerned about bushfire safety, despite being at increased risk.
CFA said people in these areas were also waiting too long to leave in the event of a fire, putting themselves and their families in jeopardy.
The authority’s annual Bushfire Community Survey revealed that 22 per cent of residents did not interact with CFA within the past six months because they felt they did not require more information or were unaware of CFA’s programs and resources.
It came after the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring 2024 suggested the west and south-west of the state, extending through the Wimmera, Grampians National Park and the Mallee, faced increased fire risk this coming season due to a notably dry autumn and winter.
The outlook said the dry conditions had led to a build-up of dead and dry plant material within forests, making it easier for fires to start and spread.
The fire risk for other parts of Victoria is normal, but the bushfire season could start early in areas with dry forests, woodlands and grasslands.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan expressed concern over the survey statistics, urging all residents in fire-risk areas to take their safety more seriously and begin preparation now.
“Many Victorians may not be aware they’re living in a bushfire-prone area (but) with fire season fast approaching, it’s vital that Victorians know their level of risk and plan accordingly,” Mr Heffernan said.
“It may be a result of people who are new to the area or who have not experienced a significant fire in the past and are unaware of the dangers.
“CFA has resources available to help people prepare but it’s vital that the community actively seeks out this information before it’s too late.”
Meanwhile, 30 per cent of respondents would delay leaving during a bushfire event, with 14 per cent planning to assess the situation and 16 per cent intending to wait for instructions from emergency services.
Twelve per cent said they would stay to defend their property.
“These are dangerous decisions,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Bushfires can spread unpredictably and quickly.
“Waiting to assess the situation or hoping for instructions from emergency services can result in tragedy.
“The safest option is always to leave early.
“While CFA is well-prepared to respond to emergencies, it’s crucial to remember that bushfire safety is a shared responsibility.
“We can’t guarantee that every home will be reached in time during a bushfire.
“Every resident needs to have their own bushfire survival plan and take proactive measures to protect their property.”
District 18 assistant chief fire officer Gavin Wright said there was a high potential for an earlier start to the fire season this year as a result of lower winter and spring rainfall across most of the Mallee.
“We have already experienced some warm days with hot, drying winds, and this will accelerate the curing of grass and other light vegetation,” he told The Guardian.
“The previous two years saw heavy fuel loads and long grass accumulate on roadsides and much of this material is still present as either standing grass or humus at ground level.
“This is also true of many areas around people’s homes and farms and now is the time to start removing this fuel to protect lives and homes this summer.”
Mr Wright said local brigades were busy with pre-summer training and preparing for fuel-reduction burning next month.
“A number of burns along roadsides are planned as well as a significant burn in grassland north of Tower Hill housing estate between Memorial Drive and Woorinen Road,” he said.
“The intent of this burn is to form a firebreak against any fire running towards Swan Hill from the Blackwire Road area under the influence of a westerly wind.
“CFA has attended a number of fires west of the town over the past three years and this burn will form an effective buffer on the town’s perimeter.”
The local firefighting strength has also been bolstered recently.
“The Waitchie brigade took delivery of a brand-new 10,000-litre ultra-heavy tanker that will be responding to fires this summer throughout the Swan Hill and surrounding areas,” Mr Wright said.
“This is the largest tanker CFA has ever built and will be very effective in areas with restricted water supplies.”
Mr Heffernan urged residents in the Mallee to stay updated with the latest warnings this fire season.
“The increased fire risk in these regions means that understanding and responding to fire danger ratings is more critical than ever,” he said.
“Do not drive into or through high-risk areas on hot, dry and windy days – plan an alternate route or postpone your travel if possible.
“We urge everyone to have a clear bushfire survival plan in place.
“Know your triggers for leaving early and ensure that all household members know what to do in case of a fire.”
