Victorians travelling this Labour Day long weekend are urged to be prepared for fires, with temperatures expected to soar across the state.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan is encouraging travellers to know what fire district they will be in this weekend.
“Victorians simply need to be in tune to the fire and weather conditions around them,” Mr Heffernan said.
“While the recent bushfires have been contained by our incredible firefighters, fire risk will continue to linger over the coming months.
“With the lack of recent rain, fuel loads in our drier forested areas will increase, and our greener grasslands will continue to dry out.
“We know there is a slightly elevated chance of a drier than usual autumn, and we’re already seeing that this weekend with temperatures set to reach high 30s and low 40s.”
The fire danger period is still in place across Victoria, and the CFA is reminding people to visit its ‘Can I or Can’t I?’ webpage to understand what they can and can’t do during this time.
Fires in February across the Grampians, Beaufort and Dereel are a reminder that the fire season isn’t over yet, and communities need to be prepared.
Although the fires are now under control, crews remain active, blacking out and working on hazardous trees.
Victoria had above-average summer rainfall and below-average bushfire activity, with little to no rainfall since mid-January, according to the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Autumn Seasonal Bushfire Outlook released last week.
Mr Heffernan expects grassfire risk will persist throughout March. He reminds all Victorians to download the VicEmergency app to remain alert to any fires in their region.
“Grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour and can jump highways, so you must be prepared to alter your route if required,” he said.
“Avoid driving through high-risk areas on hot, dry, windy days if you can, and monitor conditions through two or more sources of local information.
“We’re particularly asking those living in the western part of the state, or those who plan on travelling in that direction, to regularly check the fire danger ratings.”