Watching grass grow might sound like a less-than-exciting way to spend the start of summer, but the CFA is actively searching for people in Bendigo to do just that.
It’s looking for volunteers to become ‘citizen scientists’ to monitor local grasslands, so the Authority can monitor how quickly grass is drying off after spring rains.
The CFA’s Dr Danielle Wright says it’s critical information that can be used in determining the risk of fire.
“These percentage values feed into the fire danger calculations, which feed into the fire danger ratings, fire behaviour models and also readiness,” Dr Wright said.
“There are still a few areas of the state including the north-east, north-west and south-west parts of the state where we would really benefit from having more volunteers out on the ground.
Dr Wright said the CFA is forced to rely on satellite data in areas where there are now on-ground observations occurring.
“The satellite model is extremely useful, but it can’t always pick up every detail.”
The call-out comes as Victorians are urged to take fire safety seriously as the bushfire danger rises.
Bendigo and its surrounding regions are facing what’s expected to be a higher-than-average fire risk over the coming months.
Nearly half of all bush and grassfires are started by reckless behaviour, such as welding during fire bans and leaving campfires unattended.
