THIS year we are being warned that we face an intense bushfire season and the time for preparation is now.
In recent days, we have seen a total fire ban announced for the Mallee and fierce fires across Gippsland.
With the official start of summer still eight weeks away, it’s a timely warning for all of us to refresh our fire survival plans and stay vigilant.
A combination of warm, dry weather and increased vegetation has prompted emergency authorities to put parts of northern Victoria on increased alert for bushfires this spring.
Both the Australasian Fire Authorities Council and the Bureau of Meteorology have warned that we will have the first dry spring since 2020 – leading to an increased risk of fires earlier in the season.
These organisations do not issue these warnings lightly.
I encourage everyone to download the VicEmergency app from www.emergency.vic.gov.au
You can also use resources such as the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare and the Red Cross’ Get Prepared App at www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/prepare/get-prepared-app.
These can help you make a plan in advance. Hopefully you won’t need to use it.
Gaelle Broad
Member for Northern Victoria
