- Published:
- Thursday 27 November 2025 at 3:27 pm
Victorians are being urged to prepare for a warmer-than-average summer and an increase in fire risk across many parts of Victoria, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer released today.
Some welcome spring rainfall has temporarily boosted soil moisture and green growth across large parts of the state. However, there is still long-term severe dryness across south-west and western Victoria, including north central, east central and south-west Gippsland.
These dry conditions have led to large amounts of dry and dead vegetation – increasing fuel loads and increasing the likelihood of fires over the coming months.
Areas include the far south-west, the northern slopes of the Otways, Mt Buangor State Park, Wombat State Forest and Central Highlands, and parts of Mornington Peninsula and south-west Gippsland, as well as north-central including the Kinglake and Yarra Ranges and parts of Elidon.
Warmer-than-average summer temperatures across the state are also expected to lead to landscapes and forests drying faster – further increasing the risk of fire.
The rest of Victoria is forecast to be at a normal bushfire risk, which means fires are still likely to occur and fast-running fires are possible, particularly on hot, dry and windy days.
Victoria’s emergency services remain well prepared for the potential of fires with dedicated aircraft positioned across the state for the higher-risk weather season. This includes a mix of water bombing aircraft, air supervision and aerial intelligence gathering aircraft which can be moved quickly based on risk.
The aerial firefighting fleet will support the efforts of thousands of dedicated emergency services personnel from Country Fire Authority, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria, Victorian State Emergency Service and other support agencies.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility and it’s important that everyone understands the risks of where they live, work and travel. As summer approaches:
· Make a fire plan at fireplanner.vic.gov.au and practice enacting your plan.
· Stay up-to-date with the Fire Danger Ratings and warnings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website and always follow the advice and warnings of emergency services.
· Prepare your property, including reducing vegetation around your home by mowing lawns and clearing gutters.
The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer is developed by AFAC, the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services, and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology and state and territory fire and land managers. The Outlook provides a national picture of the likelihood of fires over the summer months.
Quotes attributable to Emergency Management Commissioner, Tim Wiebusch
“Our emergency services have already been busy leading into summer and are well prepared for what could be a busy season ahead.
“It’s important for communities to understand their fire risks – where they live, work and travel, and to prepare early, including knowing how to access emergency information and warnings.
“Download the VicEmergency website or app and know how to use it. Check the Fire Danger Rating each day, pay attention to warnings and tune into your local emergency broadcaster.”
Quotes attributable to Country Fire Authority Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan
“With a warmer than average summer likely, our CFA crews are ready to respond and support communities as we do every year, and now is the time for Victorians to prepare their properties and create a plan.
“Our volunteers have been engaging closely with their local community members to get fire ready and our agency counterparts to ensure we are best prepared for the increased risk of fire this season.
“Despite recent rainfall, hot, dry, and windy conditions will still challenge us. Understand your local fire risks and stay informed wherever you travel to or reside this summer.”
Quotes attributable to Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer, Chris Hardman
“Forest Fire Management Victoria works year-round with its emergency sector partners to manage and respond to bushfires.
“The seasonal outlook shows the risk of bushfires this summer is real, but we want to reassure Victorians that when a bushfire starts, we are ready to respond through aggressive first attack.
“Our crews have specialist skills, training and equipment for fighting fires in our state forests, national parks and reserves, including rappelling, tree-felling, and ‘dry firefighting’.”
Quotes attributable to Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Joshua Fischer
“While Victorians can expect an increased fire risk this summer, FRV stands ready to support our colleagues across the emergency services sector.
“Bushfires can quickly be driven into urban areas. No matter where you live, make sure you monitor weather conditions and have a plan for high-risk days.
“Fire prevention is a shared responsibility. This summer, whether you live in a rural, regional or urban area, ensure your family is ready for an emergency - know your Bushfire Survival Plan and prepare your property now."
Quotes attributable to Victoria State Emergency Service, Chief Officer Operations Alistair Drayton
“VICSES volunteers are ready for whatever this high-risk season brings, and we’re asking Victorians to be ready too. Summer storms can hit fast and hard, take time now to create an emergency plan and know where to get trusted updates before severe weather arrives.
“Your best defence is staying informed. Download the VicEmergency app and review your Local Flood Guide today. These resources provide real-time alerts and practical advice when it matters most, don’t wait until the weather turns to get prepared.”
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