Community
19 December, 2025
CFA urges fire safety these holidays
MANY of the places Corangamite residents love to enjoy on their summer holidays are in a heightened fire risk area so before hitting the roads this festive season, firefighters are urging Victorians to be aware of conditions to safeguard their families.
While the Country Fire Authority (CFA) want holiday-goers to enjoy themselves and the incredible places Victoria has to offer, those travelling close to parks, reserves and open grasslands or paddocks need to be alert and stay informed.
While there has been above-average rainfall in parts of the state across October and November, the bureau outlook for hotter and drier conditions can quickly dry out the fuels with significant fires a real possibility towards the end of December and into January 2026.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan encouraged residents to prepare before enjoying a much-needed break or festive getaway to see their friends and family.
“You may be travelling to an unfamiliar area and it’s important to understand the fire risk of your holiday location – now is not the time to become complacent,” he said.
“Grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour, faster than you can run, and they can jump highways in the right conditions.
“Visitors should learn about the area they are travelling to and monitor the Fire Danger Ratings every day throughout summer.
“Bushfires and rural grassfires do impact built up areas, so it really is everyone’s responsibility to be fire ready.
“Recent growth across pastures, woodlands and roadside reserves has created unbroken stretches of dried grass along many roadsides, increasing the chance of roadside fires.”
“It is also important not to drive if you can see smoke or fire – thick smoke will make it hard to see and make accidents more likely,” Jason said.
Residents are urged to download the VicEmergency app and set up watch zones for the location they’re visiting.
“Reconsider your travel on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating and do not travel to bushfire risk areas on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating - your life may depend on the decisions you make during a Catastrophic day,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Check the fire danger ratings every day.
“Keep roads clear for emergency services.”
For all travel safety tips, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-and-during-a-fire/leave-early/staying-safe-when-you-travel.