Victorians urged to prepare now as parts of Victoria facing increased bushfire risk

RACV is urging Victorians to check their bushfire plan, prepare their homes and review their insurance policies following a potential early start to Victoria’s fire season.

The Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency (AFAC) Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring 2026 forecasts an increased bushfire risk in East Gippsland, the Surf Coast and areas to the far south-west of Geelong.

The bushfire warning comes as many communities continue to recover after the devastating bushfires in January 2025 which destroyed homes and disrupted livelihoods.

RACV Insurance received a 20-fold increase in bushfire-related insurance claims, compared with the previous year, with the 2025 summer bushfire event accounting for over 80 per cent of all RACV Insurance bushfire-related property and vehicle claims lodged over the past five years.

RACV General Manager Insurance and Roadside Bill Bloodworth, said it was important for those living in bushfire prone areas to prepare, check their plan and look over their insurance policies ahead of summer.

“With bushfire season approaching, it’s a timely reminder for RACV Insurance policyholders to check that their home, contents and motor insurance policies are current and understand what their policies cover,” Mr Bloodworth said.

“RACV provides home buildings and contents calculators that can help members estimate the potential cost to rebuild or repair their home and replace their contents.

“Anyone considering insurance can speak with the RACV Insurance team to understand the cover options available. More broadly, now is a good time for Victorians to think about their preparations for the summer and bushfire season.”

For the past two years RACV has supported the Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) Smoke Installation program, helping at-risk residents in regional communities across the state. CFA is urging Victorians to prepare now for the summer season, including downloading the Vic Emergency App and creating ‘Watch Zones’ for your location.

The CFA recommends taking these steps:
Your Home and property

• Clear your gutters by removing leaves, twigs and rubbish
• Seal all gaps, vents and roof spaces
• Close off or cover any underfloor areas
• Store fuels and chemicals away from your home. Keep LPG tanks vented away from it and secured with a chain
• Move wood piles away from your home
• Prune shrubs, and cut back any tree branches that overhang your home
• Reduce the vegetation around your home and safely dispose of garden waste
• Make sure all water sources are marked
• Mow your lawns, creating a clearing of about 10 metres of well-mown grass around your home if possible
• Register your burn-off by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify.

Your Family Plan

• Make or review your bushfire plan with everyone in the household, ensuring everyone knows what they will do on a high fire risk day
• Download the Vic Emergency App
• Create ‘Watch Zones’ in the App for real-time alerts and warnings for specific locations

Visit the CFA website for more information about the events, how to attend, and resources.

With summer only six weeks away, the Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services (AFAC) will soon release its national seasonal bushfire outlook for summer, identifying areas of increased fire risk so communities are aware and primed to take appropriate action.

RACV Home Insurance customers can access support online or by calling 13 72 28.