Close to or among grass or paddocks

What can you expect?

Grass more than 10 centimetres tall will have a higher flame height and intensity.

Faster burning than through forests as grass is a finer fuel.

Large amounts of radiant heat.

Fires that can start early in the day.

Faster moving fires that travel up to 25 km per hour.

In open grassland speed increases up to 60 km per hour.

What to do:

Prepare your property for fire before summer starts. Create fuel breaks around your property and the assets that you want to protect – you will need to maintain these throughout summer.

Don't get caught out in the open during a grassfire they get very hot and radiant heat can kill. The safest place to be is away from the threat. If you're caught in a grassfire move to somewhere with minimal vegetation, such as a ploughed or well-grazed paddock.

If you're caught in a car, don't get out and run. Turn your hazard lights on and park off the roadway away from dense bush and long grass facing towards the oncoming fire. Before the fire approaches tightly close windows and doors, shut all vents and turn off the engine and make sure you get down below window level and cover up with woollen blankets. Sheltering in a car is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. Always plan to leave early to avoid this situation.

Stay informed on hot, dry, windy days by monitoring conditions outside and tuning into a local emergency broadcaster, checking emergency.vic.gov.au regularly and by downloading the VicEmergency app.