Fire services have warned Australians across the nation that due to a mix of ecological factors the bush fire season may come early this year. The early fire season is largely attributed to the warmer than average temperatures and drier conditions we can expect in Australia over this coming 2024-2025 summer season.
The El Niño weather pattern has heightened the risk of fires spreading more quickly and becoming difficult to control. State fire authorities have put out warnings to residents across the Geelong area to be prepared.
With a little bit of preparation now in conjunction with fire protection services, you can avoid unnecessary damage to your property.
Stay Up-To-Date with Fire Safety Notices this Summer
The accelerated schedule of this coming fire season has meant that our fire management authority has not been able to conduct as many preventative measures as they normally would be able to. Many planned burns have been delayed or cancelled due to conditions not being safe to execute. This follows a series of planned burns in New South Wales becoming out of control when weather conditions changed. The growing concern is that the volume of fires may be higher due to the lack of pre-burning.
With these circumstances in mind, fire authorities have warned that it’s imperative for Australians living in high bushfire risk regions to maintain a proactive approach to receiving bushfire risk updates. The CFA regularly updates its fire restrictions and fire warnings as conditions evolve. By checking on the CFA website you can see if you are in a fire restriction area.
The Emergency Victoria website also contains live information on planned burns and ongoing fires. In Geelong, locals can also find emergency broadcasts with the region’s official emergency broadcasters at Bay 93.9FM and K-Rock 95.5FM.
Staying properly informed is the first step towards protecting yourself from fire this season.
Regional Bushfire Preparations for Geelong
The City of Greater Geelong typically commences preparation for the fire season from late October to the end of December. These preparations include conducting property inspections to identify any fire hazards, cutting tall grass in council-managed parklands/green corridors, and providing clearance services for Geelong residents.
Geelong residents are advised to get their homes fire ready as the early arrival of fire season may catch some off guard. By clearing an area around your property, removing any dry and dead vegetation and trimming established plants you greatly reduce the risk of a fire starting on your property.
It is also recommended that homes are kept free of flammable debris such as batteries, construction material or excess hard rubbish. Having water access across the property from multiple outlets will allow you to maintain embers that may be carried by the wind onto the property. If council fire authorities identify any fire hazards on your property, you may receive notice to remove these hazards in the lead-up to bushfire season. Failure to comply as a landowner, owner occupier, or even a renter or tenant, may result in your receiving fines.
Geelong residents are advised to get a head start on preparing their property to reduce risks of receiving a hazard notice from council authorities. Removing plants and material between sheds and fence lines will reduce your property’s fire risk alongside supporting your property in preparing for a scheduled safety inspection.
Prepare your Family’s Bushfire Survival Plan
One of the most important things for Geelong families to discuss is their bushfire survival plan. Fire authorities recommend that households have a bushfire survival plan ready. This plan outlines how your household plans to deal with a bushfire scenario. How to defend, when and how you will leave if you need to, local meeting points as well as roles and responsibilities. Everyone should have access to a copy of the plan and it is recommended that they are revised every year.
The CFA is also looking for volunteers to aid in their community awareness campaigns as well as participate in community fire preparation efforts. As the fire season fast approaches the workload is increasing for the CFA. By participating in community fire preparation efforts Geelong locals can work together to protect the community from the fires this summer.
Accounting for Unique Weather Conditions
The unique combination of variables we can expect this summer season has provided the perfect conditions for extreme bushfire danger this season. The unseasonal rainfall earlier in the year has led to a build-up of fuel in unexpected volumes. Back burning of the excess fuel has been disrupted by dry winds that caused some planned burns in New South Wales to become out of control. Many planned burns since then have been disrupted or cancelled as a result.
The subsequent dry weather has since seen the fuel dry out and present a great fire threat to Geelong and surrounding communities. Residents have been asked to help where they can as the interruption to the schedule has meant they are behind on their preparation efforts.
The El Niño weather pattern is expected to increase fire risk across the country as it creates hotter and drier conditions. The El Niño weather pattern could gradually transform to a La Niña and subsequently reduce the risk of fires. However, it is unclear as to when this will happen and how quickly conditions will change.
Final Thoughts
The fire season is coming earlier than expected as indicated by state fire authorities. Geelong residents are advised to prepare themselves for an emergency by preparing a bushfire survival plan, staying informed and doing what they can to defend their property. The CFA and community groups are seeking membership to extend their awareness campaigns. We urge Geelong residents to get involved to alleviate the load on local firies this fire season. Even if you can’t volunteer your time, setting an example for your neighbours in clearing fire hazards and preparing early can help ensure your neighbourhood is prepared for the accelerated fire risks Geelong may anticipate this coming bushfire season.
Remember: simple things such as small embers on dried leaves can start large fires. This is why Geelong residents are urged to take the time to prepare this fire season as a little can go a long way in preventing catastrophe.
