Bushfire safety

Summer in regional Victoria
Summer is a fantastic time to experience regional Victoria. Its breathtaking scenery and diverse natural environments are a great excuse to leave the city and explore mountains, coastal regions and rural areas. However, Victoria is also one of the most fire-prone areas of the world and bushfires happen here every year.

During the Victorian bushfire season (November to April) follow these simple bushfire safety tips to ensure that your visit to regional Victoria is safe and enjoyable.

Check the weather forecast
Bushfires occur when temperatures are high and relative humidity is low. A high fire danger day is typically hot and windy and the air is dry. On these days the risk of bushfire and grassfire is very high, and small fires can quickly become large and dangerous.

Days of Total Fire Ban
In Victoria, hot, dry windy days are often declared days of Total Fire Ban (TFB). These days are considered to have extreme fire danger. On these days, lighting fire in the open air is prohibited. Total Fire Bans are announced on radio and are advertised widely. Use declared TFBs as a warning to be careful of the fire risk.

Never drop any lighted cigarette, match or anything burning, as it is a serious fire hazard.

Plan your daily excursions carefully
If conditions are expected to be hot, dry and windy, plan your daily excursions carefully, and avoid areas where bushfires might occur. On these days it may be better to visit cities and towns. Many beaches will also be low risk but avoid areas where there is a lot of vegetation close to the beach.

The dangers of radiant heat
A fire gives off radiant heat which travels in straight lines, ahead of the actual flames. Radiant heat can be the most dangerous part of the fire, as it can be easy to get caught out in the open, without shelter. This heat cannot travel through solid objects, so you can protect yourself from radiant heat by making sure there is a solid barrier between you and the fire.

Protect yourself:

• Seek refuge inside a building while flames of the fire pass
• Wear protective clothing – long sleeves and long pants made of natural fibres such as cotton, and sturdy shoes.