Fire danger

THE CFA has warned hills residents against complacency following “average” rain in the lead-up to the fire season.
Region 13 Acting Operations manager Jason Lawrence said the southern portion Australia, excluding Victoria, was in a La Nina weather event, which delivers steady rain and lower temperatures.
“Victoria is in an Indian Ocean dipole, which only delivers average rainfall,” he said.
“We’re still likely to experience a traditional fire season, which will still be onset around January or February.
“The recent rains have promoted growth in the forests and grasslands, which only need a few days of warm weather to dry out and become fuel for fires.”
Mr Lawrence said Eastern Metropolitan Region residents must act now to be properly prepared for bushfires.
“It is the responsibility of individuals to make sure they have a Bushfire Survival plan and that they prepare themselves and their property for the season,” he said.
Mr Lawrence said while the onset of the fire danger period might be delayed by the recent rain, the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Assessment reported the chances of Victoria exceeding the median rainfall from October to December were only around 55 per cent.
Yarra Valley Water has urged residents to remain vigilant, despite Melbourne’s water storages nearing 50 per cent capacity.
“While household water use has gone down since water restrictions were eased to Stage 2, it is likely usage would creep up over summer if typical hot and dry conditions persisted,” managing-director Tony Kelly said.