MOORABOOL remains at the top of the list of potential sites for a ‘community fire refuge’ this fire season.
A community fire drill is planned for Blackwood in October.
But CFA’s regional director Don Kelly said a lot of work had to be done before a Blackwood refuge was put in place.
Community fire refuges are defined as purpose-built or modified buildings that are open to the public to provide short-term shelter from immediate life-threatening effects of a bushfire, unlike neighbourhood safe places which are places of last resort with little or no facilities.
“Blackwood is a good solution as the roads in and out of town could become blocked in a fire,” Mr Kelly said.
“The CFA station is just one option available. Other community buildings … there could be a stand-alone facility; there’s no clear-cut model in place yet.”
A recent Bushfires Royal Commission report said finding a site in Blackwood had been difficult, with the most obvious site for a refuge – the fire station – needing further development. “A replacement station is within the CFA building strategy,” the report said. “This is a longer-term prospect.”
Last summer, Moorabool mayor Pat Griffin told residents the refuge would offer some short-term shelter but should not take priority over the option to leave early. “These refuges are designed to be another contingency, not a reason for residents to be complacent on code red or high-risk days. Leaving early is still the most important advice we can give.”
