BUSHFIRE SURVEY REVEALS MANY VICTORIANS WOULD WAIT TOO LONG TO LEAVE

A recent CFA survey has revealed that while most Victorians living in bushfire-prone areas understand leaving early is the safest option, many would still wait until a fire was threatening before leaving.

The annual post-season survey found 88% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that leaving early was the safest way to protect themselves and their families.

However, 81% said they were unlikely to leave until a fire was threatening the landscape, while 12% said they would stay and defend their property.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan says people need to act before a fire starts, rather than waiting until they can see flames or smell smoke. He says residents should not rely on emergency services to tell them when to leave.

The survey also found 93% of respondents have a bushfire plan, but only 13% have written it down. The CFA says a good plan should cover when to leave, where to go and what to do if a preferred route becomes unsafe.

With hot and dry conditions expected across much of Victoria this spring, the CFA is urging residents to prepare now and attend a Get Fire Ready event in October.