Hard hitting campaign

The devastation caused by bushfires in East Gippsland earlier this year will be used in what the State government says will be a “hard hitting” campaign to urge people to prepare properly for the upcoming fire season.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville said the “How well do you know fire campaign? Would be a reminder that people were responsible for their own safety and to prepare and better understand fire.

The campaign will acknowledge the devastating effect and impact of fires on Victorian communities.

Ms Neville said the campaign would blanket the sate across all forms of media.

Many people may find it confronting following the events of last summer, she said.

Ms Neville said that although there had been some significant rain in recent months nobody could afford to be complacent with a real risk of bush and grass fires.

She said the government was devoting more resources to protect and support communities and emergency management staff and agencies were ready to respond.

Thousands of volunteer and career firefighters were prepared and a fleet of 51 aircraft that can be boosted to 100 were available to help fight fires.

Ms Neville urged people to download the VicEmergency app to receive emergency information and warnings and to visit vic.gov.au/knowfire to help plan and prepare.

Last season’s fires drove home the importance of being prepared and having a plan in place, she said.