Community
8 November, 2024
Grass fire sparks concerns
BRIGADES from across the district responded to a grass fire in Laang last Friday, among the first large fires recorded ahead of what is predicted to be a dangerous fire season.
Six Country Fire Authority (CFA) units responded to a grass fire on Waysai Road in Laang at around 12.21pm last Friday, November 1.
“Units responded from Panmure, Laang, Nullawarre, Ecklin, Naringal and Garvoc,” a CFA spokesperson said.
“Crews discovered approximately up to eight acres of scrub burning.
“A dozer was called to the scene.
“The incident was deemed under control at 2pm and safe at 8.56pm.”
The 2024 fire season has already been declared with a number of municipalities in the state’s west and northwest already declared within the Fire Danger Period.
The CFA recently raised concerns a hotter and drier Summer period is expected, with an increased fire risk expected in south west Victoria.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility and we ask Victorians to be prepared and stay informed,” CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said.
“Take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up your property but also be cautious when burning off and ensure it’s properly extinguished.
“Now is also the time to sit down with your household and prepare your bushfire plan.”
The Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) has also warned the outlook for the fire season in Victoria, particularly in western Victoria, is looking particular dire.
This warning comes after record low rainfall and low soil moisture readings, creating ideal conditions for bushfires.
“All the Bureau of Meteorology’s predictors in the western part of our state are showing a drier than usual lead up to the fire season,” Andrew White, CEO of the VFPA said.
“With soil moisture low, and a high fuel load, this rings alarm bells for the next few months.
“The low rainfall and dry conditions in winter means we have a green drought in some areas.”
