A worrying number of Victorians are risking their lives by not keeping up with important fire safety measures, as parts of the state face an increased bushfire risk.

About 45 per cent of people living in bushfire-prone areas aren’t concerned about fire safety and are waiting too long to leave in the event of a fire, the CFA’s annual bushfire community survey found.

People are putting themselves and their families in jeopardy, with the survey revealing more than one-in-five hadn’t interacted with local fire authorities in the past six months because they thought they didn’t require more information or were unaware of the service’s programs and resources.

Western and south-western Victoria is facing increased fire risk this spring after a dry autumn and winter, according to the emergency bushfire outlook.

“Many Victorians may not be aware they’re living in a bushfire-prone area, with fire season fast approaching,” CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan 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.”

The survey revealed almost one-in-three people would wait before leaving their homes during a bushfire event, with 14 per cent planning to assess the situation and 16 per cent waiting for emergency services to issue orders.

About 12 per cent of respondents say they would stay to fight the fire.

Safety is a shared responsibility and staying to assess conditions during catastrophic fast-moving events is a “dangerous” decision, 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,” he said.

“We can’t guarantee that every home will be reached in time during a bushfire.”

Victorians in the state’s west and south-west are being urged to keep updated with the latest fire warnings and to have a clear bushfire survival program with key points for when to leave.

The rest of the state can expect a warmer-than-average spring with uncertain rainfall but people are warned to not be complacent.

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Sunday, 1st September 2024

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