VICTORIA’S emergency services recently held a pre-summer season briefing in Portland in preparation for the 2024/25 fire season.

The briefing was attended by more than 70 representatives from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), the State Emergency Service (SES), Victoria Police, Department of Health, local councils and supporting agencies.

In addition to a detailed presentation on the bushfire conditions expected in the region this summer, agencies provided an overview of their organisation’s plans for the fire season ahead.

AFAC, the National Council for fire and emergency services, has forecast an above average fire season for the Far South West District in its Spring Seasonal Bushfire Outlook.

 “The forecast for an above average fire season for the Far South West highlights the importance of taking a year-round approach to preparing for summer bushfires,” FFMVic Far South West District manager, Sheree Mirschin said.

“Throughout the year, we’ve conducted planned burns across the district when conditions permit, while also completing maintenance on strategic fire breaks and access tracks; as well as mulching, mowing, slashing and spraying as part of our preparations.”

Authorities have been busy preparing for these conditions, with actions happening across the district to reduce risk and improve community safety.

FFMVic said they have prepared for bushfires all year through a range of actions, including planned burning, mechanical works, hazardous tree management, mulching and maintaining strategic fuel breaks.

FFMVic has also been upgrading a network of sand tracks so heavy machinery can use them as part of a fire response, including near Nelson, Rennick and Casterton.

The District’s numbers will be bolstered by 36 seasonal firefighters joining the workforce in late October.

New and current staff are also completing training and refresher courses to ensure they are well-trained and prepared for the fire season.

The district has a fleet of 39 specialised firefighting vehicles available to respond to fires and emergencies over summer.

This includes three dozers across the district – a D4 at Dartmoor, a new D6 at Heywood and a new D4 at Casterton – that are important for fire suppression and planned burn preparation.

The ground fleet is also supported by water bombing aircraft that will be stationed at Hamilton and Casterton airbases in the coming months.

FFMVic has partnered with Traditional Owners to develop emergency management principles for responding to fires in the Budj Bim World Heritage area.

These principles guide how agencies can work together to protect culturally sensitive landscapes when responding to fires and emergencies.

Authorities are also reminding the community that bushfire safety is a shared responsibility.

“Now is also the time for the community to make sure they are ready for summer by preparing their properties and having up to date fire plans in place,” Ms Mirschin said.

Now is the time to develop a fire plan and prepare their properties for the hotter months, with great resources and advice available online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare