BALLARAT firefighters are bracing for a severe bushfire season with state’s Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley is warning of a hot and dry summer.
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Major fire concerns extend across western Victoria, following another dry season Mr Lapsley said on Wednesday. He warned a decline in rainfall combined with the strengthening El Nino in the Pacific could push the moist air south keeping temperatures high in Victoria.
The Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook 2015-16 predicts an above normal fire season with an increased bushfire risk across the state.
"There are very strong indicators that this summer will be a very hot one and an early one," Mr Lapsley said. "Fire season could be in some parts of Ballarat as early as November.”
Mr Lapsley said the area between between Ballarat, Bendigo and Horsham was at high risk due to the dryness of the region.
“Although we’ve had rain, we’ve haven't had soaking rains across Victoria," Mr Lapsley said. "The bush is getting dry and will continue to dry. There's no indicator of very solid rains to come leading in to a very dry and high risk season."
His concerns were echoed by CFA operations manager for Ballarat and surrounding districts Gavin Hope who said off season training for volunteer firefighters was underway.
Mr Hope said a major concern for the CFA was firefighters becoming fatigued due to the longer than usual fire season.
"There will be systems in place to ensure fatigue is managed," Mr Hope said."There is also scope to bring firefighters in from other parts of the state if it is required.”
In recent years, devastating fires have ravaged Dereel and Enfield and ripped through Carngham and Chepstowe.
Mr Hope urged residents living in rural areas and on the fringe of the city to clean up their properties now.
“You need to ensure your property is prepared... if you've decided whether you're going to stay and defend or evacuate early,” Mr Hope said. “Have a detailed plan in place.”
Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett announced on Wednesday the state government was providing more than $20 million to fund a fleet of specialist firefighting aircraft to help keep communities safe.
Ms Garrett said 47 aircraft, including two Large Air Tankers will support emergency services in battling bushfires and reduce the risk of fires spreading. The firefighting fleet is expected to arrive in Victoria in November unless required earlier.
For information or advice on preparing for the bushfire season go to emergency.vic.gov.au