Forest Fire Management Victoria is concerned below average rainfall this winter could see forests and bush dry out ahead of the Fire Danger Period.
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The organisation will monitor fuel levels in forests ahead of planned burn operations that are expected to take place in spring.
FFM Vic acting regional manager forest fire operations Paul Bates said central Victorian areas were still dry despite recent rainfall.
"Central Victoria has received a decent amount of rain in recent weeks however there is still quite a bit underlying dryness in forest areas," he said.
"This means the forest will quickly dry out if we receive below average rainfall in the spring."
Mr Bates said FFM Vic will be undertaking planned burns when the conditions suit.
"We will regularly monitor fuel and weather conditions, as we normally do, to identify opportunities for planned burning in spring," he said.
"Currently, we are finalising our planning of spring burns and undertaking on-ground preparation works so we can start planned burning as soon as conditions are suitable."
A CFA spokesperson said the CFA is meeting with its partner agencies to discuss the seasonal outlook next week.
Mr Bates said the starting date of fire season can vary depending on conditions.
He said residents should use the cool weather as an opportunity to removing debris and fire fuel from their homes.
"Residents should start cleaning up and removing debris from around their houses in the lead up to the fire season, remembering the start of the fire season varies based on conditions.
"We also would like to remind residents to review or prepare their own bushfire plan so they know what to do if a bushfire starts in their area."
Forest Fire Management Victoria's message to residents comes after New South Wales authorities have brought forward the Bushfire Danger Period by two months.
Drought and above average winter temperatures forced the bushfire danger period to start on August 1 for for 12 local government areas in north eastern NSW.
Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said there are early indications of higher than average fire risks nationwide.
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