As the mercury begins to rise and bushfire season fast-approaches, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and its brigades – including those in Moorabool – are urging the community to prepare.
According to the CFA, Victoria is headed into what is expected to be a challenging fire season, with the organisation urging residents and property owners to understand their local fire risk and take steps to prepare.
CFA Ballan group deputy officer Billy Smith said now is “definitely the time“ to start getting prepared for the fire season.
“Don’t leave it too late – so prune any tree branches that are overhanging or touching walls, clear your gutters, remove leaves and twigs from around your property, and test anything that’s part of your fire plan, such as sprinklers, pumps, and generators,” Mr Smith said.
“If you’re [starting] after November, you’re probably leaving it too late. We’ve already had a fire in the district this week that burnt about seven to eight hectares in the bush, so the bush will burn,” he said.
He said another key message the brigade is sharing is that those who are burning off on their properties should register their burn-off using the Fire Permits Victoria website or by notifying Triple Zero Victoria by calling 1800 688 511 – which prevents brigades from being called out for false alarms.
Mr Smith also urged the community to make sure they have a finalised bushfire survival plan, discuss evacuation plans with family members, and to assemble an emergency kit with medication, important documents, pet supplies and essentials.
He said you can stay informed of fires by using VicEmergency alerts and warnings or through tuning in to local radio stations.
Details: cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare
