Sarah Oliver
Melton and Moorabool residents are being encouraged to begin preparing their properties for the upcoming fire season.
Fire restrictions are already in force in areas across Victoria, with Moorabool’s official fire danger period starting December 13, while restrictions for Melton yet to be announced.
Bacchus Marsh fire brigade First Lieutenant Ryan O’Shannessy said it was important residents prepared their properties but also took care of any overgrown grass.
“Noticing the tremendous grass growth … is of some concern to us,” he said.
The unusually wet weather has caused a lot of grass and vegetation growth, which Mr O’Shannessy said will become dangerous once dry.
“Land conditions and soil conditions are still quite saturated, which makes it a challenge for the brigade to begin preparations.
“Once the grass starts to dry off, that will be a big risk.”
Mr O’Shannessy also encouraged residents to log any planned burn-offs with the council and warned residents that action will be taken if they are found to be burning off illegally.
“If they don’t log [a burn-off ]… it does create a lot of time and energy and resources that have been dispatched which could be dispatched elsewhere.
“The Bacchus Marsh area of brigades has a zero tolerance policy for any illegal burns during the fire danger period, and this will result in the police being notified and further police investigations being taken.”
The seasonal outlook for December to February, released by the AFAC – Australian and New Zealand national council for fire and emergency services – showed the potential for an average to lower-than average bushfire season in Victoria.
However, MR O’Shannessy said the Bureau of Meteorology predicts the fire season will go well into the early parts of 2022.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan urged residents not to become complacent.
“We know it only takes one bad day to have a bad fire season so we need to stay vigilant this summer,” he said.
“If you haven’t prepared your property, it is definitely high time to do so.”
Mr Heffernan also said the start of summer was a good reminder to make a bushfire safety plan if you don’t already have one in place.
“Before you get too busy with festive season celebration and Christmas shopping, spend some time to make a plan to keep your family safe,” he said.
“Your plan should include things like which fire danger rating will be your trigger to leave, where you will go, and what route you will take – and it should always contain different scenarios and back-up plans.”
