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Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas on the planet,
Each year hundreds of fires break out in remote country which can quickly travel to populated areas.
Every year lives and property are lost to bushfires
Heavy loss of life occurred in 1939 and 2009.
After the 1939 fires the Government set up formal fire warning lookouts, staffed 12hrs every day during the Fire season.
There is now a network of over 100 towers across Victoria, with fire spotters keeping an eye out for the first signs of smoke.
Lightning strikes are also recorded and an eye kept on them in case they flare into fire.
Most towers are on high points with a cabin situated on a metal or wooden tower to get an unobstructed view.
The Pinnacles fire lookout tower is situated on top of a spur approx 1400m ASL.
It is such a remote location that the fire spotter has their own accomodation cabin near the lookout.
It is a popular place for 4wd tourists as the views are spectacular
and the fire spotter is always happy to chat (provided they are not busy).
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Victoria is Australia's second smallest State and covers only 3% of Australia's land area but has the second highest population of all States and Territories. Victoria's mainland and islands have a total length of 2,512 kilometres coastline which is about 4.2% of Australia's 59,736 kilometres of coastline. Australia is the driest inhabited continent and Victoria is no exception although the state capital Melbourne has the reputation to have 4 seasons in one day. Victoria is located in the southeast of mainland Australia and includes the most southern point on mainland Australia at Wilsons Promontory National Park.
