BE ALERT! That is the advice from CFA headquarters as drying conditions, coupled with a extremely hot weekend, provide the perfect opportunity for fast-moving grass fires.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The summer season will kick into full swing this weekend, with temperatures to peak at around 37 degrees on Monday in the Ballarat region.
Initially Sunday looked set to be the scorcher, but the forecast is now for more moderate winds on that day. But with a wet and windy change due on Monday, that looks set to be the most dangerous day for fires.
Acting Assisting Chief Fire Officer Chris Bigham said with so many visitors in the region - many set to take a four-day weekend - it was critical they take care as grass fires could spread in no time at all.
MORE NEWS
"It's a different year to last year," he said. "Last year, we were actively involved in heavy fire supersession.
"What this year is presenting is more moisture, but with the drying conditions now it is promoting extended grass growth. This was always going to be a grass fire season.
"We have already seen the occasional grass and scrub fire, with the fuel growth we have got now, there's potential to have a rapidly spreading event. This is the predominant heating of our season, our environment took a little bit longer this time, but it has promoted grass growth."
One of the big risks this weekend is campfires being incorrectly put out.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and CFA firefighters were called to 89 unattended campfires across Victoria through the month of December.
The unattended campfires were found at popular camping areas around Victoria.
FFMVic chief fire officer Chris Hardman said: "In Victoria, we've had far too many bushfires caused by campfires and these actions are placing the community, firefighters and the environment at risk.
"If people see a campfire that is unattended then call 136 186."