"THE probability of a significant fire season has increased … it’s potentially more serious than previous years."
This was CFA region 12 operations manager Peter Creak’s prognosis for the coming fire season as told to an audience of more than 200 local residents at the Kilmore CFA Public Meeting at the Memorial Hall last Wednesday evening.
Mr Creak’s conclusions were drawn from the current conditions of the Kilmore Gap and Mangalore, which are used to measure the rainfall in the region.
He said Kilmore Gap is about 170 millimetres short of an average year of rainfall and in worse condition than last year, and Mangalore was even worse at 220 millimetres short.
"The situation is similar to where we were last year ... this year we’ve experienced one of the hottest September days at Kilmore Gap.
"The last three years of fire seasons have come in earlier and have lasted longer.
"It’s difficult to make predictions but the potential for another serious fire season is there, like it is every year.
"We, the CFA, and the communities of Victoria, need to be as prepared as possible."
Marlene Morison from the CFA’s Bushfire Preparedness Program outlined some of the recommendations from the Bushfire Royal Commission’s interim report, which was released last month.
She said the CFA was working to strengthen operations and services and provide a higher level of information and updates as well as range of tools to get the information out into the community.
A TV and radio campaign for bushfire preparedness will be launched in October and all other information will be available directly from the Kilmore Brigade or online.
"There’s no system that will be available all the time but we are providing the largest number of possibilities," Ms Morison said.
Kilmore CFA Captain Greg Murphy thanked the community for their kind offers of support during and after Black Saturday.
Fire Preparedness Expo
The Kilmore CFA will be hosting a Southern Mitchell Fire Preparedness Expo at the Kilmore Racecourse on Saturday, October 10 from 10am to 4pm.
The expo will provide information on the latest fire safety equipment, fuel reduction, fire safety, personal protection and local bylaws.
Representatives from local businesses, Mitchell Shire Council, DSE, DPI and CFA will be in attendance.
For more information contact Anthony Archer on 0409 701 837 or Greg Murphy on 0418 308 895.
