Do you know what to do if a grassfire ignites near your home this summer?
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The recently-released Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for December through to February stated that average to above-average rainfall in spring had resulted in "prolific" grass and vegetation growth in Victoria.
It also indicated that while Victorians could expect a wetter-than-average summer, maximum temperatures would be higher than the long-term average, drying out grasslands and creating ample fuel for fires.
With so many paddocks and open grasslands across the region and many new developments backing on to them - such as Miners Rest and Winter Valley - Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) wants people to recognise the risk and have fire safety plans in place.
Senior Station Officer, Cory Woodyatt, from FRV's Station 67, said the main difference between a bush and grassfire was that grassfires burnt much quicker, though they also have less of a residual burn time.
A quick response is vital in the event of a grassfire, with the potential for one to move up to 25-kilometres per hour or even more quickly in open grassland.
While he said both FRV and the Country Fire Authority were well-equipped to respond to an incident on the ground quickly, while air support could also be called in to assist, residents were also asked to play their parts so a fire could be brought under control quickly.
This means that if a grassfire breaks out, residents living within two streets of it are asked to leave their homes and to walk - not drive - at least two streets back and to wait in a safe area.
Using the example of the housing estates around Winter Valley, he said it could cause significant traffic issues if members of every household tried to leave in their cars at the same time, potentially making it difficult for fire services to gain access to fight the fire.
If emergency vehicle access to an area is hindered, it could result in the chance of the fire not being contained as quickly as it could be
- Senior Station Officer Cory Woodyatt
"If emergency vehicle access to an area is hindered, it could result in the chance of the fire not being contained as quickly as it could be," he said.
Grassfires also cause significant smoke and will make it difficult to see the road so increases the risk of car accidents.
Senior Station Officer Woodyatt encouraged residents to refrain from piling into their cars and to instead determine the location of the fire - by listening to the radio, checking the media or the VicEmergency app or website - and to walk in the opposite direction from where the smoke was issuing from.
Residents who live further than two streets away do not need to evacuate their homes and are asked to stay at home.
These residents are asked to close all of their windows and doors, to turn off air conditioning units and place wet towels around window sills and gaps in doors to reduce smoke inhalation, but to remain alert for further instructions from emergency services.
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While grassfires have not historically resulted in homes or other assets being lost, during the last few weeks firefighters have already responded to several large grassfires - foreshadowing the season that could be ahead.
Senior Station Officer Woodyatt encouraged individuals and families to stay up-to-date with warnings this summer, especially days of high fire danger.
A simple way is to download the Vic Emergency app on a phone and to turn alerts on for the area so alerts are received when a warning is issued.
He added that now was also the time to discuss fire plans and to pinpoint a safe area to head to in the event of a fire.
"That way, if a grassfire is to occur, everyone knows exactly what to do and where to go," he said.
He also encouraged residents in high-risk fire areas to clean-up their properties by removing fine fuels such as leaves or twigs, to clean out gutters and remove other flammable materials which could catch fire if an ember falls on the property.
"These recent significant fires show that the grass is drying out so the time is now - do your planning, clean- up and be prepared," Senior Station Officer Woodyatt said.
