The Latest Breaking News from Jason Heffernan

Victoria's Country Fire Authority is still battling to control a blaze at Flowerdale, north of Melbourne, which has burnt 900 hectares, while a second grassfire is threatening communities at Buangor in the state's west.

An uncontrolled grassfire north of Melbourne is burning for a third day but no property has been damaged so far despite the blaze growing.

The Country Fire Authority's last annual report shows a net loss of 1,381 volunteers in the 12 months to June, but its chief officer says there are more than enough volunteers to respond to incidents this bushfire season.

Australians looking for a break from natural disasters are out of luck, with bushfire risks increasing over the next few months.

While much of Victoria continues to battle floodwaters, authorities are warning farmers to start thinking about fire risk.

Victorian households are advised to create fire, flood and storm plans this summer ahead of emergency briefings around the metropolitan area.

A new four-level fire risk warning system will standardise and simplify risk levels and action plans for Australians.

Hikers from around the globe visit the Daintree National Park to scale this gruelling summit. But Eastern Kuku Yalanji elders consider it sacred and are pleading with visitors to respect its cultural significance.