Bushfire safety overlooked by nearly half of Victorians in risk areas, survey finds

A RECENT CFA survey revealed 45 per cent of Victorians living in bushfire-prone areas are not concerned about bushfire safety, despite being at increased risk. People in these areas were also waiting too long to leave in the event of a fire, putting themselves and their families in jeopardy. CFA's annual Bushfire Community Survey also revealed that 22 per cent of residents did not interact with CFA within the last six months because they felt they did not require more information or were unaware of CFA’s programs and resources. CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan expressed concern over these statistics, urging all residents in fire-risk areas to take their safety more seriously and begin preparation now. "Many Victorians may not be aware they're living in a bushfire-prone area, with fire season fast approaching, it's vital that Victorians know their level of risk and plan accordingly," he said. “It may be a result of people who are new to the area or who have not experienced a significant fire in the past and are unaware of the dangers. "CFA has resources available to help people prepare, but it's vital that the community actively seeks out this information before it's too late.” A further 30 per cent of respondents would delay leaving during a bushfire event, with 14 per cent planning to assess the situation and 16 per cent intending to wait for instructions from emergency services. Twelve per cent stated they would stay and defend their property. "These are dangerous decisions," Mr Heffernan said. "Bushfires can spread unpredictably and quickly. "Waiting to assess the situation or hoping for instructions from emergency services can result in tragedy. "The safest option is always to leave early. "While CFA is well-prepared to respond to emergencies, it's crucial to remember that bushfire safety is a shared responsibility. "We can't guarantee that every home will be reached in time during a bushfire. "Every resident needs to have their own bushfire survival plan and take proactive measures to protect their property." Current forecasts for the North East indicates a warmer-than-average spring with an uncertain rainfall outlook. Mr Heffernan said while the fire risk is considered normal, it's important not to be complacent, as fires can still occur anytime and anywhere when temperatures rise and vegetation is dry.