Fire Season Has Started Already

[Bisart Dobes]

- Here we go, if you are not ready best get a move on.

30 Vic grass fires sign of things to comeAAP

September 19, 2011, 7:43 pm Post Commenttweet0EmailPrint

Victoria's Country Fire Authority (CFA) is warning that a spate of grass and scrub fires around the state is an early sign of things to come during the looming bushfire season.

Firefighters responded to about 30 grass and scrub fires on Monday, fanned by strong winds and high temperatures.

The largest fire began in an excavator, which spread to nearby bushland at Shady Creek in Gippsland and took 13 crews to extinguish.

On the city's fringe, 50 firefighters battled high winds to control a fire that started in an old timber house in Upwey and spread quickly to neighbouring houses.

One house was totally destroyed, while a second was seriously damaged.

CFA state duty officer Stephen Walls warned the busy day was an early indicator of what Victorians can expect from the 2011/12 fire season that officially begins in November.

"With the warmer weather comes significant growth and that means fuel for fires," he said.

The first day of hot, windy conditions was a timely reminder to clear land and prepare for summer.

"After several years of higher than average rain, fuel levels are high," Mr Walls said.

"It's never too early to begin slashing and clearing, and make sure you're prepared for the risk of fires."

He warned residents in areas thought to be safe from bushfire to consider the threat of fast-moving grass and scrub fires near their properties.

Residents are urged to have a detailed bushfire survival plan if they live or holiday in high-risk bushfire areas.

[Flaves]

ah crap!

Thanks for the warning though