The Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC report said wetsern and central Victoria were the state’s greatest risk areas this summer.

It said after the wettest six months on record for Australia, May to October, the region would experience above average fire conditions as growth dries.

The Country Fire Authority’s curing tracking shows most of the Wimmera was between 60 to 90 per cent cured.

The report said the region can expect drier than previously predicted conditions across Eastern Victoria, with Wimmera expected to exceed the median maximum temperature throughout January. 

Ararat, Stawell and Horsham all have a 60 per cent change of exceeding the average maximum temperatures in December.

Nhill, Kaniva, Big Desert, Hopetoun, Warracknabeal and surrounds have more than 70 per cent chance of experiencing above average maximum temperatures. 

Country Fire Authority district 17 operations manager Dale Russell said there was still time for residents to prepare their properties for the above average season. 

“It’s still not too late for people in a rural setting to clean up,” he said.

“I’m sure many have already done that but make sure to clean around your houses follow guidelines on our website. 

“Clean your gutters, move wood away from your house, have heaps of water on hand and have fire fighting equipment available.”

Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said Victorians could expect a traditional season this year with fire risk to peak during January and February. 

“Above average spring rainfall combined with warmer temperatures has produced ideal growing conditions for crops and pasture,’’ he said. 

“There is considerable grass growth across the state and as this dries out with the warmer weather, it will become very flammable.