Staying safe during bushfire season

As temperatures soar and the warm wind blows, the threat of bushfires in Victoria intensifies.

According to the Australian and New Zealand National Council for fire and emergency services (AFCA), there is an increased risk of fire to the southwest, west, and northwestern parts of Victoria due to a drier-than-average first half of the year.

This heightened risk is exemplified by the recent bushfire in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, which was started by a lightning strike on 17 December.

Over three weeks, the fire has burned more than 76,000 hectares and is now contained. The blaze began after dry lightning ignited multiple fires in the southern part of the park, highlighting the severe conditions across the state.

Jason Amos, Director of Emergency Management and former CFA volunteer, encourages staff and members of our community to download the VicEmergency app and save the VicEmergency phone number – 1800 226 226 – to their devices.

“Given Northern Health’s catchment area, many staff and consumers may live near bush or long grass areas, and it is important for everyone to have a plan this fire season,” said Mr Amos.

“It’s crucial to understand and monitor the Fire Danger Rating, a scale that forecasts how dangerous a fire would be if one were to start. These ratings are forecast four days in advance, using Bureau of Meteorology data and other environmental factors, such as fuel loads.”

Staff who conduct home visits as part of their duties must complete the CFA’s Bushfire Safety for Workers eLearning module.

For more information on staying safe during bushfire season, please click here.