Category: Government of Victoria

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire could be if one started.

They are important because they help you decide what actions to take to protect yourself and others from bushfires and grassfires.

A new Fire Danger Rating system was introduced in 2022 across Australia so whether you’re at home or travelling, you will see the same rating system. 

The new Fire Danger Ratings

There are four levels of fire danger in the new system:

• Moderate – Plan and prepare
• High – Be ready to act
• Extreme – Take action now to protect your life and property
• Catastrophic – For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas

Fire Danger Ratings will be issued on days when there is a fire risk.

Each fire danger rating will have a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk.

Ratings are forecast using Bureau of Meteorology data for up to four days in advance, based on weather and other environmental conditions such as vegetation.

The rating is your trigger to take action to stay safe.

What do the ratings mean and what should you do?

CATASTROPHIC

EXTREME

HIGH

MODERATE

NO RATING

The system also introduces an ‘off’ level for days where no proactive action is required by the community. This does not mean that fires cannot happen, but that they are not likely to move or act in a way that threatens the safety of the community. This rating is the thin white wedge on the colour wheel sitting under ‘Moderate’.

Find out more

To see the current Fire Danger Rating forecast across the state see Total Fire Bans & Fire Danger Ratings. To see the Fire Danger Rating forecast for where you are, see CFA Local.

For more detailed information, check out the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities (AFAC) website and FAQs, or Prepare and Get Ready – VicEmergency

Page last updated:  Wednesday, 6 March 2024 9:16:53 AM

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire could be if one started.

They are important because they help you decide what actions to take to protect yourself and others from bushfires and grassfires.

A new Fire Danger Rating system was introduced in 2022 across Australia so whether you’re at home or travelling, you will see the same rating system. 

The new Fire Danger Ratings

There are four levels of fire danger in the new system:

• Moderate – Plan and prepare
• High – Be ready to act
• Extreme – Take action now to protect your life and property
• Catastrophic – For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas

Fire Danger Ratings will be issued on days when there is a fire risk.

Each fire danger rating will have a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk.

Ratings are forecast using Bureau of Meteorology data for up to four days in advance, based on weather and other environmental conditions such as vegetation.

The rating is your trigger to take action to stay safe.

What do the ratings mean and what should you do?

CATASTROPHIC

EXTREME

HIGH

MODERATE

NO RATING

The system also introduces an ‘off’ level for days where no proactive action is required by the community. This does not mean that fires cannot happen, but that they are not likely to move or act in a way that threatens the safety of the community. This rating is the thin white wedge on the colour wheel sitting under ‘Moderate’.

Find out more

To see the current Fire Danger Rating forecast across the state see Total Fire Bans & Fire Danger Ratings. To see the Fire Danger Rating forecast for where you are, see CFA Local.

For more detailed information, check out the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities (AFAC) website and FAQs, or Prepare and Get Ready – VicEmergency

Page last updated:  Wednesday, 6 March 2024 9:16:53 AM

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire could be if one started.

They are important because they help you decide what actions to take to protect yourself and others from bushfires and grassfires.

A new Fire Danger Rating system was introduced in 2022 across Australia so whether you’re at home or travelling, you will see the same rating system. 

The new Fire Danger Ratings

There are four levels of fire danger in the new system:

• Moderate – Plan and prepare
• High – Be ready to act
• Extreme – Take action now to protect your life and property
• Catastrophic – For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas

Fire Danger Ratings will be issued on days when there is a fire risk.

Each fire danger rating will have a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk.

Ratings are forecast using Bureau of Meteorology data for up to four days in advance, based on weather and other environmental conditions such as vegetation.

The rating is your trigger to take action to stay safe.

What do the ratings mean and what should you do?

CATASTROPHIC

EXTREME

HIGH

MODERATE

NO RATING

The system also introduces an ‘off’ level for days where no proactive action is required by the community. This does not mean that fires cannot happen, but that they are not likely to move or act in a way that threatens the safety of the community. This rating is the thin white wedge on the colour wheel sitting under ‘Moderate’.

Find out more

To see the current Fire Danger Rating forecast across the state see Total Fire Bans & Fire Danger Ratings. To see the Fire Danger Rating forecast for where you are, see CFA Local.

For more detailed information, check out the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities (AFAC) website and FAQs, or Prepare and Get Ready – VicEmergency

Page last updated:  Wednesday, 6 March 2024 9:16:53 AM

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire could be if one started.

They are important because they help you decide what actions to take to protect yourself and others from bushfires and grassfires.

A new Fire Danger Rating system was introduced in 2022 across Australia so whether you’re at home or travelling, you will see the same rating system. 

The new Fire Danger Ratings

There are four levels of fire danger in the new system:

• Moderate – Plan and prepare
• High – Be ready to act
• Extreme – Take action now to protect your life and property
• Catastrophic – For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas

Fire Danger Ratings will be issued on days when there is a fire risk.

Each fire danger rating will have a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk.

Ratings are forecast using Bureau of Meteorology data for up to four days in advance, based on weather and other environmental conditions such as vegetation.

The rating is your trigger to take action to stay safe.

What do the ratings mean and what should you do?

CATASTROPHIC

EXTREME

HIGH

MODERATE

NO RATING

The system also introduces an ‘off’ level for days where no proactive action is required by the community. This does not mean that fires cannot happen, but that they are not likely to move or act in a way that threatens the safety of the community. This rating is the thin white wedge on the colour wheel sitting under ‘Moderate’.

Find out more

To see the current Fire Danger Rating forecast across the state see Total Fire Bans & Fire Danger Ratings. To see the Fire Danger Rating forecast for where you are, see CFA Local.

For more detailed information, check out the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities (AFAC) website and FAQs, or Prepare and Get Ready – VicEmergency

Page last updated:  Wednesday, 6 March 2024 9:16:53 AM

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire could be if one started.

They are important because they help you decide what actions to take to protect yourself and others from bushfires and grassfires.

A new Fire Danger Rating system was introduced in 2022 across Australia so whether you’re at home or travelling, you will see the same rating system. 

The new Fire Danger Ratings

There are four levels of fire danger in the new system:

• Moderate – Plan and prepare
• High – Be ready to act
• Extreme – Take action now to protect your life and property
• Catastrophic – For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas

Fire Danger Ratings will be issued on days when there is a fire risk.

Each fire danger rating will have a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk.

Ratings are forecast using Bureau of Meteorology data for up to four days in advance, based on weather and other environmental conditions such as vegetation.

The rating is your trigger to take action to stay safe.

What do the ratings mean and what should you do?

CATASTROPHIC

EXTREME

HIGH

MODERATE

NO RATING

The system also introduces an ‘off’ level for days where no proactive action is required by the community. This does not mean that fires cannot happen, but that they are not likely to move or act in a way that threatens the safety of the community. This rating is the thin white wedge on the colour wheel sitting under ‘Moderate’.

Find out more

To see the current Fire Danger Rating forecast across the state see Total Fire Bans & Fire Danger Ratings. To see the Fire Danger Rating forecast for where you are, see CFA Local.

For more detailed information, check out the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities (AFAC) website and FAQs, or Prepare and Get Ready – VicEmergency

Page last updated:  Wednesday, 6 March 2024 9:16:53 AM

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Hundreds of Victorians are taking the opportunity to undertake private burn-offs as fire restrictions continue to ease across the state.

CFA and partner agencies will be making the most of cooler autumn conditions to conduct fuel reduction burns to lower bushfire risk for communities, while farmers and private landholders will capitalise on favourable temperatures to ignite stubble burns on their properties.

Over the weekend, wind conditions will prevent smoke from dispersing, with smoke expected to linger over the city and parts of regional Victoria into next week.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said although CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) work closely with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Bureau of Meteorology to keep smoke impact as low as practically possible, smoke in our regional and rural areas can come from a number of sources.

“Along with the important planned burns that are conducted in our forests, parks and reserves led by FFMV and the many kms of road, rail and council reserve burns that are led by CFA, this time of year also sees a large amount of smoke coming from the necessary burn-offs that our farmers and rural property holders undertake,” Jason said.

“These are part of traditional farming practices where burning off of crop stubble is often needed to kill off weeds and return nutrients and carbon back into the soil.”

As the weather cools, smoke will also come from the many thousands of wood heaters households rely on for their autumn and winter heat source. 

“This localised smoke or smoke haze can often be misinterpreted as coming from planned burns from a long way away, but this is not always the case,” Jason said.

“As the weather conditions continue to allow for lower intensity burning, we will look to conduct the most suitable planned burns to ensure that our dependant native bush and grasslands are benefitting to avoid much more devastating bushfires.

“Our CFA brigades have already treated over 3,600ha of land this year, helping make at-risk communities safer, with more to come over coming weeks.”

Landowners are urged to continue registering their burn-offs at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au so that if someone reports smoke to Triple Zero, the incident will be cross-checked on the register.

For the latest information about when and where planned burns are occurring near you, residents are encouraged to sign up to Planned Burns Victoria and download the App.

If you do see smoke and want to know if it is a planned burn or a fire, visits the VicEmergency App or visit emergency.vic.gov.au.

Detailed information about smoke forecasts, current air quality in your area and health advice can be found on EPA’s website.

Keep your burn off safe and legal:

• Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511
• Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind
• To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand
• Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn
• Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading
• Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration
• If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Credit: Pip Johnson

Members of the Murrindindi-Woodbourne Fire Brigade gathered on Sunday afternoon to mark its 75th anniversary.

A luncheon was held to reflect on the brigade’s history and to recognise the dedication of its members including eight volunteers who received CFA Life Memberships.

Murrindindi Captain Joel Creed said many of the long-standing members have played a significant role in the brigade and its development.

“It was special to me to be able to recognise their contributions and see their names recorded on the honour board,” Joel said.

“I hope it might encourage the younger people that are looking on and give them something to aspire to in the future.”

Murrindindi Brigade was first formed on the 4 January 1945 and was formally registered with the CFA on 9 January 1946.

The brigade was significantly impacted by the 2009 Black Saturday fires when the Murrindindi fire that started at the local mill subsequently joined with the Kilmore East fire to become the giant Kinglake Complex fire.

In the aftermath, a member was wrongly accused of starting the fire, merely because he had been first on scene as he lived nearby.

Exonerated, the member went on to become a Captain of the brigade after a series of tragedies befell other members.

The brigade has faced some very challenging times but has stoically carried on to maintain and create a better volunteer fire brigade for its community.

“Looking back at the history I learned there are a lot of people who have done things that I didn’t even realise myself,” Joel said.

“I know it would have been much tougher back then too because they wouldn’t have had the systems and technology we have now.”

The members who received CFA Life Membership on Sunday included Tony Jacobs, Denise Williams, Joel Creed, David McKenzie, Ewan Tait, Robert Wood, Peter Hauser and Gerard Hauser.

Murrindindi received a new fire station following the 2009 fires as well as a new community building called the Murrindindi Hub which was built beside it.

The station and the hub are the only public buildings in the district and as such are a focal point for the community.

Members would like to thank Brigade Administration Support Officer Pip Johnson for her extensive research into the brigade’s history and for her hard work in pulling together the 75^th Anniversary luncheon.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1.00am on Monday, 22 April in the following municipalities in CFA’s District 15:

• Ballarat
• Hepburn
• Moorabool
• Golden Plains

While restrictions are lifting in these areas, CFA still expects the grassfire risk to remain across the state so Victorians need to remain alert and prepared. 

CFA District 15 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Wayne Rigg said the change in weather has meant that we can safely ease fire restrictions.

“Parts of the district do remain dry and anyone who lights a fire needs to do so responsibly and ensure that it does not endanger lives or property,” Wayne said.

“We’re urging everyone to stay safe, whether you’re living in or travelling to high bushfire risk areas. 

“Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk.” 

The end of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will be an opportunity for some landowners to burn-off again, however it’s important that residents check that local conditions are safe before undertaking these activities. 

“You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” Wayne said. 

“Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is cross-checked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding. 

“When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.” 

Landowners can register their burn-off online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511. 

If possible, landowners should also notify their neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precautions. 

Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on EPA’s website.  

Keep your burn off safe and legal: 

• Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au. 
• Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind. 
• To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand. 
• Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn. 
• Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading. 
• Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration. 
• If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately. 
• Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on EPA’s website

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Tatura volunteers with Minister

Tatura Fire Brigade has a new heavy tanker to help boost the brigade’s ability to serve the community.

The heavy tanker was officially handed to the brigade by Emergency Services Minister Jacylyn Symes at the station today.

Tatura Captain Peter Bevan said new safety features like the crew/vehicle roll over and burn-over protection was a huge benefit to members.

“Members can now ride more comfortably in the caband we have 1,000 extra litres of water to fight fires,” Peter said.

He said the brigade felt very well equipped to protect the community with a new tanker and new station.

“We also have neighbouring brigades doing training with us too which is great to see,” Peter said.

The new heavy tanker replaces Tatura brigade’s Hino 3.2 medium tanker.

The new vehicle was funded through the Victorian Government’s CFA Capability Funding package and is one of 48 new tankers being rolled out to CFA fire brigades across Victoria to ensure volunteer firefighters are well-equipped to protect their communities.

More than 20 brigades have already received a heavy tanker under this program, including Mansfield, Seymour, Seville, Wangaratta, and Shepparton in the North East Region.   

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said tankers are a vital part of CFA’s fleet.

“These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” Jason said.

“The heavy tankers feature a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4,000-litre water tank, while their 4×4 capability and automatic transmission will help crews access fires in difficult terrain.

“They also include features such as electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels, as well as using a higher percentage of recyclable build materials.”

Tatura Fire Brigade was formed in 1894 and had a new station built in 2021.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A popular golf clubhouse and community hub in Gisborne has been destroyed by fire overnight.

At around 2.35am this morning, 17 CFA vehicles alongside Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to the structure fire on Daly Street.

Over 60 firefighters were involved in the response, where crews discovered the Gisborne Golf Clubhouse, spanning approx. 50 x 30m was fully involved in fire.

Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria also attended the incident.  

CFA District 2 Commander Paul Turner was on scene this morning and said when crews first arrived, the clubhouse was on fire from end to end.

“Our crews worked to contain the fire to the building, and given it went through the roof it collapsed on itself and has sadly been completely destroyed.” Paul said.

The fire was deemed under control at 4.22am and CFA vehicles and personnel remain on scene.

The cause of the fire is not deemed suspicious and investigations are underway with CFA and Victoria Police. It could take some days for the cause to be known.

“Our crews will remain on scene mopping up and cleaning up the site throughout the day,” Paul said.

“The golf club will be closed for the rest of the day, so please steer clear and wait to hear an update from the club before returning.”

An advice message was issued to the community earlier today, however, Paul reminds locals to keep their windows shut and to be aware of smoke lingering over town.

“The club is a community hub for the residents of Gisborne and the Macedon Ranges, and we know they will be hurting.”

Submitted by	CFA Media