East Gippsland fire risk prompts wider call to prepare
A warning of increased bushfire risk in East Gippsland has prompted a timely reminder for residents closer to home to prepare before summer.
Residents all around Bass Coast and South Gippsland are being urged to prepare their homes and review their bushfire plans as RACV highlights an increased spring bushfire risk close to home in East Gippsland.
The fresh warning follows local firefighters’ concerns that abundant grass growth could dry out as warmer weather arrives.
The AFAC Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring 2026 identifies East Gippsland, the Surf Coast and areas to the far south-west of Geelong as facing an increased risk of fires.
Wonthaggi Fire Brigade First Lieutenant Jamie Moresco previously told the Sentinel-Times that coastal rainfall offered some protection locally, although conditions could change.
“We’re pretty right because down this way we get a lot of coastal rain,” Mr Moresco said in September.
“But in saying that, it does dry out, but we don’t have that very high risk like East Gippsland’s got at the moment.”
He said a wet winter had produced plenty of grass, and that four to five weeks of temperatures in the mid-20s could potentially change local conditions quickly.
But preparation can start now.
CFA recommends clearing leaves and twigs from gutters, moving wood piles away from homes and cutting back overhanging branches.
Residents should also reduce vegetation around buildings and arrange help if they cannot safely inspect or clean their gutters, as Mr Moresco previously advised.
“The more you can be prepared, the better off you are,” he said.
The CFA also encouraged households to make or review their bushfire plan, so everyone knows what to do on a high fire risk day, and to download the VicEmergency app and create Watch Zones.
RACV General Manager Insurance and Roadside Bill Bloodworth urged policyholders to check their cover before summer.
“With bushfire season approaching, it’s a timely reminder for RACV Insurance policyholders to check that their home, contents and motor insurance policies are current and understand what their policies cover,” Mr Bloodworth said.
RACV said AFAC would soon release its national seasonal bushfire outlook for summer, identifying areas of increased risk.
