The Pakenham CFA is encouraging people to reduce fuel loads around their properties as the mercury rises and we edge closer to an earlier fire season.
Victoria can expect a warmer spring, contributing to higher fire risk in parts of the state this season, according to the latest Spring Seasonal Outlook.
There are a number of simple tasks people can complete to reduce their risk this season, and now is the time to start taking action.
Pakenham CFA Captain Christopher Poulton said the community in Cardinia, whether it’s in the bush or the suburban centres, should take precautions in this vital time before fire season.
“Everyone in Victoria who lives near dense forest, bush, grassland or the coast needs to prepare their property for bushfire,“ he said.
“Fires can occur where the suburbs meet the bush or in urban areas where houses have grass, bushland or parkland around them.“
Captain Poulton said reducing fuel loads is something residents can address straight away.
Well-placed garden beds, firebreaks and reducing vegetation under trees are all ways you can manage fire risk,“ he said.
“Reducing the vegetation around your home is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home safe in a bushfire.
“Good separation is provided between all trees and garden beds to help slow fire spread. The entire area is irrigated to keep plants lush over hot summer days.“
Captain Poulton said to keep an eye hazards around the house, such as small trees, which can catch embers, and ensure they’re kept a good distance from your house.
While actions such as clearing your gutters, picking up loose leaves and twigs, pruning branches and maintaining your lawn are key practices to eliminate hazards.
Captain Poulton says residents should use the resources at their disposal for preparation.
“Residents can head to the CFA website cfa.vic.gov.au and look up how to prepare your property where they can download brochures such as Your Guide to Property Preparation and many others to assist you with planning and preparing before, during and after a fire, as well as organising a Fire Ready Kit.“
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the CFA encourages everyone to also sit down with your family or household to discuss and practice their bushfire survival plan together.
“CFA has all the information you need on our website to create a clear bushfire plan with your loved ones,” he said.
“If you already have one, blow the dust off it and go over it with your family.
“Practising your bushfire survival plan could save your family’s life.”
Victorians can learn more about how to prepare their property at cfa.vic.gov.au/prepare, and for more about bushfire survival plan, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan
The CFA asks residents to conduct the following actions to prepare yourself and your property:
* Move your winter woodpile away from the house or sheds.
* Prune tree branches so they are not overhanging the roof or touching walls.
* Clear your gutters.
* Keep grass shorter than 10cm.
* Remove leaves and twigs from around your property.
* Test anything that is part of your fire plan such as sprinklers, pumps and generators.
For any burn-offs, CFA asks residents take the quick and easy registration form so authorities are aware by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify or call ESTA on 1800 688 511. To make sure your household has a Bushfire Survival Plan. Find out how at cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan
