Fires in Victoria, Australia

Posted by Philippa Rowlands Jan 7, 2007

Much of the state of Victoria in Australia is on high fire alert, what with the dry conditions from the drought and hot weather and summer winds - what does this mean for travel in this part of the world?

What it really means is, be careful and listen to fire danger warnings. Australia is prone to bushfires and in summer it pays to take care, especially in national parks. Australians are used to the threat of bushfire and take it in their stride, it is part of the background of long hot and dry summers.

Travellers need to check with rangers at national parks and be aware of fire restrictions which limit the lighting of camp fires and camping stoves in the open. It is very important not to flick cigarette butts or lighted matches into grass or bushland or from cars. Always dispose of them carefully and responsibly.

All that is required to enjoy summer travel in fire prone areas is a little care and a willingness to change plans if fire becomes a danger in the area you wish to travel.

The positive spin to travellers is that following bushfires there is the opportunity to see the Australian bush in a new and exciting light as it comes to life after a fire.

Many parts of Victoria are still on fire weeks after bushfires began, from December 2006 to date almost 1,000,000 hectares of bushland has burnt and some of the fires are still alight and posing a considerable danger to homes.

Many Australian plants need fire to trigger the germination of their seeds and Eucalypts (gum trees) are pretty fire resistant. Once the danger has past the bush comes alive as regrowth begins and animals return. Often it is easier to see animals, and sometimes incredible displays of wildflowers follow in the next spring.

Keep in mind that although bushfires are dangerous and travellers need to be beware, in the following season the rejuvination of the bush can bring spectacular results for the visitor.