The fire season of 2025-26 officially arrived on 17 October. The designated Fire Danger Period in which fire restrictions are enforced began in six municipal areas in Victoria in late October. Others will soon follow as fire authorities continue to prepare for the increased bushfire risk in the state’s west after low rainfall over the past 18 months.
The Chief Fire Office of Forest Fire Management Victoria, Chris Hardman, recently said that being prepared for the bushfire season was a shared responsibility. ‘All Victorians are encouraged to start cleaning up around their properties to help reduce bushfire risk in their own communities’.
If you haven’t already started, now is the time to check your bushfire plan and start working on your clean-up. Go to the ‘plan and prepare’ section on the Country Fire Authority website – www.cfa.vic.gov.au for comprehensive advice on what to do.
Ann Feilding