As Victoria’s weather begins to warm and communities move closer to an earlier fire season, the Country Fire Authority, CFA, is urging those in high-risk bushfire areas to prepare their property now.
There are a number of tasks people can complete to reduce their risk this season including moving winter woodpiles away from homes and sheds and testing equipment that is part of fire plans like sprinklers, pumps and generators.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said crews across Victoria were making every effort to prepare for this year’s fire season, but they needed a collective community effort to reduce bushfire risk.
“Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world, so it’s vital for everyone to plan ahead,” he said.
“All it takes is some basic maintenance such as clearing your gutters, picking up loose leaves and twigs, pruning tree branches so they aren’t overhanging the roof of your property, or even just keeping your lawn under 10 centimetres tall.
“High rainfall and moisture levels over the past 12 months will have led to vegetation growth on private properties, so it’s important to maintain your property through spring and into fire season.”
Mr Heffernan also encouraged families and households to sit down together to discuss and practice their bushfire survival plan.
“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. Practicing your bushfire survival plan could save your family’s life.”
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