new state-of-the-art digital bushfire rating warning sign has recently been installed at Howitt Park to better inform East Gippslanders of the pending fire danger, with information updated directly from the CFA website.  The State Government has invested $2.86 million in the program which will see 20 signs rolled out across the State.

State-of-the-art digital technology is being rolled out to provide up-to-date information on fire risk in Bairnsdale.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said drivers would have noticed the new automated fire danger rating (AFDR) sign that has recently been installed on the Princes Highway at Howitt Park.

“It is one of 20 new signs to be rolled out across the state as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s overall $2.86 million investment to make Victoria fire ready.

“The new digital sign will display the fire danger rating, and provides the local community with the latest ratings forecast on how dangerous a fire would be if one started. It will be automatically updated from the CFA website as conditions change,” Mr Bull said.

Victoria has led the way with this technology, becoming the first Australian state to roll it out.

“These new signs will bring the total number of AFDR signs to 85, and provide Victorians with another way to access information they need to make informed decisions about their own safety.

“The sign can also display an alert message that lets drivers know about changing conditions,” Mr Bull said.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Kim Wells, said that this is another example of how the Napthine Government is building a safer and fire ready Victoria.

“The Coalition Government delivered the initial rollout of 65 automated fire danger rating signs in time for the last fire season which has provided an increase to community safety in rural and regional Victoria.

“While these signs are a highly visible way to get the latest Fire Danger Rating information, residents living in Bairnsdale should ensure they continue to seek fire information from a variety of sources,” Mr Wells said.

The automated system is in addition to 350 static fire danger rating signs that CFA brigades manually update every day during the summer fire season.

Fire Danger Ratings are also available on CFA’s website www.cfa.vic.gov.au or by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.