AS HOLIDAY-goers head to the Mornington Peninsula this summer, fire authorities are urging both locals and visitors to stay alert to heightened fire risks across the region.
The peninsula is vulnerable during periods of hot, dry weather due to many popular beaches, campgrounds, and parks being close to bushland, reserves, and open grass areas.
Although parts of Victoria have experienced above average rainfall recently, the bureau is forecasting hotter and drier conditions heading into late December and January 2026. Fire authorities warn that these conditions can quickly dry out vegetation, increasing the risk of dangerous grass and bushfires.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan is asking that those visiting the peninsula be prepared and stay informed.
“You may be travelling to an unfamiliar area and it’s important to understand the fire risk of your holiday location. Now is not the time to become complacent,” Heffernan said.
He said grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25 kms per hour, faster than a person can run, and can jump highways under the right conditions.
“Visitors should learn about the area they are travelling to and monitor the Fire Danger Ratings every day throughout summer,” Heffernan said.
This message comes after significant early season fire activity across parts of Victoria, particularly in the northwest and northeast, and is a reminder that fire safety is a shared responsibility.
“We have already seen some large grassfires this season, Victorians must stay vigilant, have a fire plan in place and be and ready to act,” Heffernan said.
There has been recent growth across woodlands and roadside reserves which has created unbroken lengths of dried grass, therefore increasing the chance of roadside fires.
“Bushfires and rural grassfires do impact built up areas, so it really is everyone’s responsibility to be fire ready,” Heffernan said.
“It is also important not to drive if you can see smoke or fire. Thick smoke will make it hard to see and make accidents more likely.”
All Victorians are encouraged to download the VicEmergency app for real-time updates, check the fire danger ratings every day, reconsider travel through bushfire risk areas on ‘extreme’ fire days, and avoid travelling to any high-risk area on ‘catastrophic’ days.
Stay alert, stay informed, and enjoy a safe holiday on the peninsula.
For more safety advice before and during travel, please visit the CFA website here: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-and-during-a-fire/leave-early/staying-safe-when-you-travel.
First published in the Mornington News – 16 December 2025
