Mr Nugent said lower-than-average rain during winter meant an early start to the fire season.
“A dry autumn and winter, and the hottest winter on record, has resulted in higher fuel loads and drier conditions,” he said.
“Already we’ve had more than 150 grass and scrub fires this season, and two major fires, one at Kadnook, and the other at Chapple Vale.”
Mr Nugent said there would be at least 54 aircraft to support firefighters on the ground, and another 100 aircraft nationally, including a mix of water bombing, air supervision and air intelligence gathering aircraft, which could be moved according to risk. Two aircranes are also contracted to join the fleet once their service period in North America concludes.
“I can assure you that all agencies and departments are well prepared for this high risk fire season,” Mr Nugent said.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said large regional centres such as Horsham, Bendigo, Ballarat, Portland and their surrounding communities, were areas of concern.
“While recent fires have previewed what is expected this fire season, rest assured, our crews are ready to protect Victorians and their properties,” he said.
“Our volunteers continue to work closely alongside our interagency partners and community members on the ground to prepare for the proposed conditions and now heightened fire risk that has extended to large parts of the state.”
Forest Fire Management Victoria deputy chief fire office Steve Pellicano said the accumulation of past effort and future plans keep communities safe.
“FFMV has already delivered 4508 hectares of management across our state,” he said. “In the past 12 months we’ve reduced risk for more than 138,000 hectares of public land across the state through planned burning and other works.”
Mr Pellicano said fire-fighting personnel were prepared for the season, including about 1800 full-time and seasonal firefighters, fire lookout observers and fire support officers, as well as more than 500 ultralight tankers, 100 heavy tankers and more than 300 additional plants.
“FFMV works every day to reduce its bushfire management risk to communities and our top priority is to protect life, property and the environment from the risk of bushfires,” he said.
Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Keris Arndt said December’s average rainfall might be exceeded.
“We’re coming off the back of a very dry 18 months,” he said.
“We may see a fair bit of rain, but there’s still a significant risk of bushfire.”
Fire Rescue Victoria commissioner Gavin Freeman warned people in urban areas against complacency.
“Just because you live in an urban area or a built-up area doesn’t mean you won’t be impacted by bushfire,” he said.
“Have a plan ready. Know what you’ll do if a fire breaks out near your home and discuss that with your family. And of course, if you are travelling around Victoria over the summer, make sure you plan ahead and know what the conditions will be.”
FRV has 3800 firefighters in metropolitan and major regional locations across the state’s 85 locations.
VICSES deputy chief officer David Baker said last week’s thunderstorm resulted in about 600 jobs for volunteer units across Victoria, including flooded roads, trees down and minor damages to buildings.
“Our VICSES volunteers remain prepared to respond to this higher risk season and we ask Victorian communities to do the same,” he said.
“In summer we often continue to see and experience adverse weather conditions and the best defence against storms and severe weather is early preparation, such as having an emergency plan in place, and knowing where to go for information.”
Member for Mallee Anne Webster received a briefing from the National Emergency Management Authority on the specific fire threats to her electorate.
“I encourage locals and visitors alike to ensure that when they are travelling through the region or camping in our beautiful national parks, they know the risks and are prepared to change their travel plans on high-risk days,” she said.
“February’s fires at Pomonal and Dadswell’s Bridge underlined how fire conditions can bring swift devastation, and hot weather and large fuel loads concern me that we face the potential for consecutive, concurrent and compounding natural disaster events.”
Dr Webster also encouraged people to consider their neighbours.
“I encourage people to pay attention to their elderly neighbours and those who may not be able to physically move quickly, and listen to SES and CFA advice,” she said.
AFAC representatives said they would take a nationally co-ordinated approach to emergency incidents this summer, and encouraged people to ensure they were well-prepared for the season.
Mr Nugent said having a plan was vital.
“Listen to emergency broadcasters, and don’t rely on one source of information. Ensure that you’re well prepared for the season and for power outages that commonly occur from fires and storms in this state,” he said.
People can find more information on the VicEmergency website and app.
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