AN AUSTRALIAN first in fire prediction and early warning systems has been launched in Victoria.

Premier John Brumby said the new computerised digital mapping system would provide up to six hours warning of the direction, speed and intensity of a fire within minutes of it being discovered.

The technology integrates the existing FireWeb system with an advanced computer mapping and fire simulation system called Phoenix RapidFire. The upgrade improves mapping capabilities and provides more comprehensive access for firefighting agencies.

“Black Saturday highlighted that our mapping and fire prediction systems needed improving,” Mr Brumby said.

“One of the key messages from the Royal Commission was that early warning of bushfires plays an extremely important role in making our community safer. This will vastly improve the ability of fire authorities to determine which communities will be impacted by fire and deliver early and accurate warnings to them.”

The $21.5 million system was trialled over the past year and will become a key tool in Victoria’s firefighting effort in the upcoming bushfire season.

Mr Brumby said information on FireWeb would immediately be made available to fire authorities to inform public warnings through One Source One Message, DSE and CFA websites and delivered to media outlets.

“Members of the community will be able to go to those websites or turn on their televisions and radios and access the warnings and information generated by FireWeb almost immediately after a fire has been discovered,” he said.