Victorians are being urged to prepare for a potentially dangerous bushfire season, with authorities issuing warnings and outlining readiness measures as the state heads into warmer weather. Country Fire Authority (CFA) Chief Officer Jason Heffernan stated plainly, “If you don’t have a plan, the best plan for Friday is just leave early.”
Preparing for All Eventualities
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch confirmed that services are preparing for all possible scenarios over the next four days. He also called on residents to take proactive steps, including downloading the VicEmergency app, swimming between the flags at patrolled beaches, and preparing for potential power outages.
Concerns about Victoria’s firefighting capacity have been raised by CFA volunteers and members of the United Firefighters Union, who gathered at state parliament on Tuesday. They presented a letter to Premier Jacinta Allan expressing concerns about a lack of adequate resources and declining rates of fuel reduction burns. However, Minister for Emergency Services Jacinta Allan dismissed these claims as “fearmongering,” asserting that Victoria’s firefighting fleet is fully operational.
Resource Concerns and Planned Burns
Data released from 2024 parliamentary estimates hearings revealed that 230 CFA appliances are over 30 years old. Nationals leader Danny O’Brien has criticized the government’s management of firefighting services and the reduction in fuel reduction burns. The state undertook planned burning and other risk-reduction activities on 109,938 hectares in 2024-25, a decrease from the 139,000 hectares treated the previous year, but an increase compared to 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Beyond bushfire preparation, authorities are also addressing other summer safety concerns. Victoria Police has reactivated Operation Summersafe, increasing patrols at beaches from Port Melbourne to Portsea, and in Altona, Williamstown, and Geelong, following reports of incidents at St Kilda and Mordialloc. In the past 10 days of activation, officers have made 14 arrests for offences including affray, disorderly conduct, and car theft.
Shark Sighting and Health Warnings
A great white shark sighting at Lorne beach prompted an evacuation of swimmers on Tuesday. Age photographer Justin McManus, who witnessed the event, reported that a 2.5-meter shark was spotted under the pier, leading to a swift response from surf life-saving crews. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Health Officer Evelyn Wong cautioned that the health impacts of extreme heat are cumulative, emphasizing the dangers of consecutive hot days and warm nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VicEmergency app?
The VicEmergency app is a tool for Victorians to stay informed about emergencies, including bushfires, floods, and severe weather. It provides real-time alerts and information.
What did the United Firefighters Union criticize?
The United Firefighters Union criticized what they believe is a lack of adequate resources to combat catastrophic fires and declining rates of fuel reduction burns.
How many CFA appliances are over 30 years old?
Data from 2024 parliamentary estimates hearings showed that 230 CFA appliances are older than 30 years.
As Victoria prepares for the warmer months, residents may want to consider their personal safety plans and stay informed about potential risks.
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