Pakenham CFA brigade administration support officer Lisa Hicks said about 600 people attended a meeting at Maryknoll last week. Close to 1000 attended a meeting at Gembrook and many hundreds at Garfield.

However, Ms Hicks said residents really need to get information before the fire season began.

"We start these meetings in November. I have seen just six residents turn up at one meeting; in others maybe 20 or so.

"There is no room for complacency."

Ms Hicks advised residents to remain vigilant during very hot periods and on days of extreme fire risk.

"On these days, people sometimes think, 'I'll close all the blinds or curtains to keep the heat out, put the air-conditioning on and watch a DVD'.

"The problem is you may not be totally aware what is going on outside around you."

She said the CFA issued alerts to communities when fires reached a trigger point, and communities should be vigilant for those alerts.

CFA community meetings are held at Beaconsfield Upper, Beaconsfield, Bunyip, Cardinia, Clematis, Cockatoo, Dalmore, Garfield, Garfield North, Gembrook, Lang Lang, Maryknoll, Nar Nar Goon North, Officer, Pakenham, Pakenham Upper, Tonimbuk, Toomuc Valley, Tynong North, Whites Corner, Harkaway, Cranbourne, Hallam, Cannons Creek, Narre Warren North, Pearcedale and Warneet.

Meetings, updates and advice are listed at www.cfa.vic.gov.au