Such tragic events are forever etched in our memories.

The elevation of the Victorian fire season forecast from ‘average’ to ‘potentially major’ this week has done little to ease our fears about what the coming months will deliver.

Truth be told, we didn’t need the upgrade to know exactly where we stand.

A short drive around the outer lying areas of Bendigo and not too far beyond delivers all the proof needed of the severity of the danger lurking close by.

The amount and height of grass and vegetation is truly troublesome and it’s getting drier as each day passes.

Our first total fire ban for the summer this week was another reminder.

Charges against a man for ‘accidentally’ sparking a fire at Goornong with an angle grinder a reality check for all.

Another fire started by a person using a ride-on mower to make their property safe this week shows how easily things can turn nasty, even when you're doing the right thing.

Thankfully, these fires were quickly brought under control.

It’s the dedication and great work of those on the frontline – CFA paid staff, volunteers and Department of Environment and Primary Industries personnel both on the ground and in the air – that we entrust to keep us safe.  

But their success will be determined by the attitudes of others.

One single act of stupidity can have such serious consequences and that’s where you come in.

It’s essential that everyone acts responsibly in regards to cleaning properties, using machinery, driving in grass, maintaining their vehicle or doing anything which could spark a fire.

Be responsible in discarding smoke butts.

You would think such responsibility is a given after what we’ve seen and experienced through those past summers of which I spoke earlier... you would think.

But take the guy who casually walked across Queen Street this week and without a care in the world flicked a smoke butt onto the road.

Guess he wasn’t totally irresponsible because he did make a half-hearted attempt to stomp on the butt as he continued on his way.

Sure this was Queen Street and the danger was minimal but you wonder if that’s his attitude what he actually does with his butts when he’s driving or out in rural areas.

Had that solitary smoke butt been dropped somewhere else and rolled into grass, the possible consequences are truly frightening.

How doesn't he know that? How is his regard for the safety of others so low?

The most concerning thing is that he's not the lone ranger when it comes to stupidity and that's the biggest fear heading into summer.