Emergency services have issued warnings of an increased risk of bushfire this spring.
With drought affected areas facing an increased risk, Emergency Management Victoria has warned Victoria is likely to experience an early start to the fire season, following low rainfall over the past 18 months.
To address the risk, residents across Baw Baw Shire are being encouraged to clean up their properties and take advantage of free green waste drop-off days.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said record low rainfall had been recorded in areas across the state, including West and South Gippsland.
He said this had resulted in increased fuel, such as dead plant material and vegetation, which has the potential to support significant bushfire potential.
The more fuel available, the hotter and more intense a bushfire can become and the faster it can spread.
He said a lack of rainfall in spring could result in above-normal fire potential in these areas leading into summer.
"Our emergency services are well prepared for a possible early start to fire season and have been undertaking briefings including multi-agency exercises to ensure we are as prepared as possible – not just for fires but for all types of emergencies including floods and storms.
"Communities need to understand their local risks and prepare early, including how to access emergency information and warnings," he said.
Free green waste drop off days will begin in Baw Baw Shire next month.
To help residents prepare for the upcoming fire season, council will offer free green waste drop-off at selected transfer stations.
The dates include:
Neerim South (10am to 4pm) - October 10 and 12;
Erica (noon to 4pm) - October 12 and 13;
Trafalgar (10am to 4pm) - October 11, 12 and 13;
Lardner (10am to 4pm) - October 19, 24, 25 and 26.
Bookings are not required but disposal will be restricted to three cubic metres per household.
Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan said fire safety was a shared responsibility with community members.
"We're urging Victorians to take small steps to prepare and plan with their families before it is too late. Clear you winter piles, tidy up around your homes, and have your
plan in place, so you know what to do if a fire breaks out near you.
"The response from the community over coming weeks will make all the difference," he said.
Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said FFMV worked year-round with agency partners to manage bushfire risks.
"We want our communities to know that when a bushfire starts, we are ready to respond. Our crews have specialist skills and training for fighting fires in our state forests and national parks, including rappelling, tree-felling, and dry firefighting," he said.
Residents are encouraged to download the VicEmergency app to check the Fire Danger Ratings and receive vital emergency information, tune into the local emergency broadcaster and never rely on one source of information.