A local CFA captain is urging Casey South residents to prepare early for the upcoming fire season, with certain areas facing a higher risk of bushfires this summer.
Devon Meadows CFA captain John Sanderson said the coastal region is considered particularly vulnerable due to its thick bushland and limited road access.
“The biggest risk we’ve got here is at Cannons Creek,” he said.
“There’s only one road in and one road out, the Cannons Creek Road.
“If a fire were to start in there, these fire trucks are going to go in and residents trying to get out. It doesn’t work.
“If a fire does start there, it’s going to go across to Warneet, especially if the wind’s coming.”
According to a map, bushfire hazards in Casey South are concentrated around Cranbourne Botanic Gardens and coastal towns like Cannons Creek, Blind Bight, and Warneet.
Mr Sanderson noted that while the past few years had been relatively mild, this season is expected to be drier, unless we get a lot more rain in the next few weeks.
Grassfires remain manageable due to their speed and the lack of immediate threats to homes.
However, bushfires present a bigger danger, especially in densely vegetated areas.
According to CFA data, there were 39 fires recorded between 1 October 2022 and 1 October 2023. That number rose to 59 the following year, and has already jumped to 113 between 1 October 2024 and 1 October 2025.
“If something starts, hopefully it doesn’t, they would escalate quickly down there because of the surrounding size of the bush,” Mr Sanderson said.
“Our aim is to keep any fires small before they get any bigger.”
Residents are being advised to take proactive steps to protect their homes and families.
According to CFA’s Your Guide to Property Preparation, things to do before and during the warmer months include keeping the grass cut to less than 10cm, removing flammable items from decks and verandahs such as boxes, furniture, and doormats, and cutting back overhanging branches.
Mr Sanderson highlighted the importance of the VicEmergency app, which provides real-time alerts and guidance during fire events.
To help prepare the community, the CFA will hold information sessions to provide residents with practical advice.
“We try to educate people and help them understand the risks,” Mr Sanderson said.
He also stressed the importance of community involvement, encouraging locals to consider volunteering with the CFA.
“We’re always recruiting new members to help out with local fire response,” he said.
