CFA is urging Victorians to take extra care this summer after vegetation fires jumped more than 50 per cent during the 2023/24 Fire Danger Period (FDP).
Between October 1 2023, and April 1 2024, CFA responded to 2145 vegetation fires including grass, bush and farmland across Victoria, compared to 1415 incidents in 2022/23.
This increase was accompanied by a 21% rise in fire investigations, revealing that many incidents were caused by avoidable factors.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said reducing fire risk this season is critical given the summer outlook for a hot and dry season ahead.
“Many of the incidents we investigated—such as escaped burn-offs and machinery-related fires— were preventable with proper preparation and compliance with fire safety regulations,” Jason said.
“Fires on Total Fire Ban days remained a major concern during the last FDP, with 449 incidents recorded.” Of the 449 incidents 21% were caused by escaped burn-offs, 9% by campfires, 8% were deemed suspicious and 5% were linked to machinery fires.
For more information on fire safety and preparation, visit CFA’s website https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/
Image: CFA Media
