The CFA will turn to councils and private water suppliers as the region continues to dry out.
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Areas to the north and west of Ballarat are almost in a drought state, with farmers looking to cut stock or cart water in as dams dry up.
This is expected to cut off an important water source for CFA tankers and aircraft.
District 16 operations officer Ian Morley said the brigade had prepared for fires in areas with no additional water already.
“It’s dry throughout the district ... a lot of the farming areas’ water supplies are either very low or dry completely,” he said.
“We’re working with the local fire brigades and groups with what instructions on travel we may need to put in place, we’re working with local municipalities, engaging heavy water transport people (in preparation).”
Mr Morley said townships’ water supplies were good, and that the local councils in district 16 had worked hard to ensure water supplies through bores and transport options.
But it would still make fighting fires more difficult, he said.
“It makes our firefighters frustrated, despite plans we have in place to overcome any shortfall,” he said. “We’ve got our fingers crossed we do get some rainfall.”
District 15 operations officer Malcolm Bruce said his group would work with local councils to bring in extra water for the tankers.
“If (the dams) are empty, we’ll get onto the shire, and they’ll supply us with a bulk water supplier,” he said.
The dry areas are mainly in the north-west part of District 15 around Clunes, going north into District 2.
Central Highlands Water has already told homeowners it cannot guarantee water supplies when bushfires are in the region, and it was important for people to be prepared when a fire is approaching.
Weather forecasters have predicted a high-risk fire season across the state.
alex.hamer@fairfaxmedia.com.au