But that doesn't mean Warrnambool is an unsafe location during summer. In fact, it is the very opposite. If a fire reached Warrnambool houses, caravan parks and camp grounds on the perimetre of the town could be lost, but fire would be unlikely to penetrate past the first few lines of houses.
Australia's fire history shows that stepping back one or two urban streets from the grassland or bushland interface greatly reduces your risk from a major grass or bush fire.
But remember, embers (burning bits of grass, leaves and bark) from a fire front can travel 20 kilometres or more and if they land in garden mulch, leaf litter, garden furniture or dry leaves in gutters, they can start a new fire. If there is a fire in the area, keep an eye out for embers and put water on them quickly.
Check the Fire Danger Rating every morning over summer and try to avoid high risk areas on Severe, Extreme or Code Red days.
This is close to a busy highway so keep young ones off the road and away from the traffic.