“A lot of people in townships like Colac don’t necessarily have a fire plan.”
CFA
With below-average spring rainfall forecast across parts of the region, locals will look to July’s parliamentary inquiry recommendations for better preparation and response.
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As recovery focus shifts to wellbeing, locals will be able to access care face-to-face or over the phone.
The state is tipping hundreds of millions into new trucks, training and buildings.
Corangamite council's submission to the state’s parliamentary inquiry warns ageing trucks, communication blackouts and emergency management gaps left fire crews exposed.
Corangamite Shire Council will make a formal submission to the state’s parliamentary inquiry into Victoria’s extreme conditions at the start of the year.
A senior Warrnambool volunteer says some country units complete baseline instruction once, then rarely revisit complex situations.
The CFA said brigades were already positioned - including in towers - and monitoring conditions.
“Impacts often peak months later, when initial support winds down and people are left managing loss and uncertainty.”
More than 170 vehicles and 390 responders were on the scene as of Tuesday.
“The smile on their faces when we drop off grab bags - they’re just so grateful.”
Crews from Port Fairy, Wangoom and Nullawarre were among volunteers who jumped on a tanker and grabbed a hose.
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With the Otways still burning weeks after dry lightning first struck, Carlisle River and Gellibrand residents have faced more challenging days of extreme heat and stressful fire conditions.
West Vic will face extreme heat and elevated fire danger less than a fortnight after fires and flash floods damaged parts of Victoria’s coast and hinterland.
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The West Vic Brolga's Zara Cuthbertson speaks to the National Account about the recent catastrophic fires and floods in Western Victoria.
Bushfires at Carlisle River and Kennedys Creek in the Otways remained out of control on Monday afternoon.
Locals are banking on a cool change, forecast for Friday evening.
Having a plan in place well in advance is the best way to reduce risk to your animals.
Authorities say the region’s spring rain is unlikely to offset the predicted heat.
The fire was ignited by a lightning strike, and dozens of firefighters are facing wet conditions on the ground.
“If everyone thinks someone else will go, then no one goes. I’m proud that I push myself to show up.”
Profiles
With above-normal fire danger forecast, shrinking brigades across south west Victoria have merged to cut administration overlaps.
“The more fuel available, the hotter and more intense a bushfire can become and the faster it can spread.”
The single mum, student nurse and business owner is confident if she can do it, so can other women.
As the state government doubles volunteer equipment grants to $30 million, some working for rural CFA brigades say it may be an attempt to quiet frustration.
