Traveller safety information for bushfire-prone areas

Check the following traveller safety information when planning your journey to, or through, bushfire-prone areas. Your journey may be for work, recreation, travel, holidays, family commitments or another reason.

You may be planning a:

• Family picnic in a forest picnic area
• Drive to a mountain lookout
• Walk to a scenic waterfall
• Day trip to a forest
• Bushwalk in a National Park
• 4WD trip in the bush
• Camping trip on a river or along the coast
• Mountain biking or horse riding trip
• Campfire
• Other activities in bushfire-prone areas

Checklist before you travel

• Check forecast weather conditions
• Check Fire Danger Ratings for your route and your destination
• Check for any current fire activity in areas you will be visiting - check DSE's website
• Check for the latest conditions and park closures
• Review your plans - identify the safest route and possible bushfire refuges
• Be prepared to change your plans on days of Severe, Extreme or Code Red (catastrophic) Fire Danger Ratings
• Tell someone where you are going and when
• Take a portable AM/FM radio and mobile phone
• Check woollen blankets and drinking water are in the car
• Check for fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans
• Learn more about enjoying a safe park visit

While you are away

• Check forecast weather conditions
• Check Fire Danger Ratings
• Be prepared to change your plans on days of Severe, Extreme or Code Red (catastrophic) Fire Danger Ratings
• Parks and forests may be closed at these times. Call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963
• Check for any current fire activity by listening to an emergency services broadcaster
• Do NOT expect an official bushfire warning
• Stay alert for bushfire smoke or flames
• Do NOT let your actions result in a bushfire - extinguish cigarettes and campfires completely

If you see or smell smoke...assume the fire can affect you

• The safest place is far away from a bushfire
• If driving, U-turn to safety and leave the area
• To report a new fire call 000
• If unsure if it is a bushfire or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 667

If there is a bushfire - You MUST protect yourself from heat and flames

• Stay calm - do NOT panic
• Late evacuation can be deadly
• If you decide to stay, seek refuge in an enclosed building

You must NOT get caught in a car...

In there is no other choice:

• Do NOT get out and run - stay in the vehicle
• Park in a large clear area, away from trees and long grass
• Turn on headlights and hazard lights
• Close windows and vents. Get below window level
• Cover exposed skin with a dry woollen blanket
• Wear dry, natural fibre clothing
• When fire has passed, get out of the vehicle

You must NOT get caught outdoors

Leave the area immediately if it is safe to do so or seek refuge in an enclosed building.

If there is no other choice:

• Seek refuge behind a rocky outcrop or high wall, in a cave, gully or large animal burrow, in a large area away from trees and grass, in a large dam or lake.
• Avoid slopes and hill tops - avoid being above a fire
• Do NOT seek refuge in above ground tanks or pools
• Cover exposed skin with dry natural fibre clothing

Tune to local emergency broadcaster

During an emergency such as a bushfire, listen to emergency services broadcasters to hear information updates.

Useful links

Current Fires - information
Are you FireReady? - link goes to CFA website
Campfire safety information