Following a string of hot weather over recent weeks, grassland areas have completely dried out in the northern areas of the state and fuels in the south-west are curing just as quickly.
The CFA has responded to a number of significant grass and stubble fires started by mowers, vehicles or machinery over the past fortnight.
Recently crews in the state’s west stopped a 300-acre grass fire in its tracks in Illabarook, near Ballarat, which was believed to be started by a seized bearing on a header.
The fire quickly spread to dry grass, with flames reaching approximately nine metres tall, and required air firefighting appliances to support a significant ground response to bring it under control.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the recent fires across the state served as a timely reminder for people to be aware of the fire risks associated with using vehicles and other machinery in and around dry grass.
“Victoria is expected to experience a grass fire-dominated fire season once again but we’re asking the community to do all it can to prevent these fires from starting,” Mr Heffernan said.
“In many areas across the state, the risk of starting a fire from hot exhaust system or other hot parts from farm machinery is high.
“Even pulling over on to tall, dry grass on the side of the road during your travels could start a significant grass fire.
“Awareness is key to preventing grass and crop fires. We also want farmers to ensure their machinery and equipment are regularly inspected, maintained and cleaned.”
High risk and agricultural activities such as harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing or mowing can quickly ignite fires in hot, dry and windy conditions.
In the right conditions grass fires can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour and spread across roads and highways.
Victorians should stay prepared and informed this fire season; this means downloading the VicEmergency app and getting familiar with the new Fire Danger Rating System by checking the rating in your area.
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