THE Springfield and Tantaraboo Fire Stations both held Get Fire Ready meetings on Sunday, bringing the community in to talk about the upcoming fire season.
Residents who live in the area took up the opportunity to drop in and ask local firefighters questions about the upcoming summer and how best to protect themselves and their property in the case of a fire.
Although wet weather doused the area late last week, summer remains just around the corner and local fire brigades are prepping themselves for a difficult few months.
Captain of the Springfield Fire Brigade Jason Stables said predictions were indicating that we could face tough conditions this summer.
“Every fire season has the potential to be a bad fire season, and we won’t really know what’s going to happen until the end of March,” he said.
Mr Stables also urged residents to take the opportunity now to clean up around their house.
“Everybody gets worried about the big fire. It doesn’t need to be a big fire to burn down a house,” he said.
“If you can keep the fuel away from your house, you can help keen the fire away from your house and save your house.
“It’s too late to clean up on a hot day or when you see smoke. Get it cleaned up early.”
The 2026/27 Fire Danger Period has already begun in the East Gippsland and Wellington shires, with local municipalities likely to follow in the coming weeks or months.
Last year, the Mitchell and Macedon Ranges’ Fire Danger Period started on November 17. Several fires impacted both regions across the summer, including the Longwood fire and smaller, but intense fires in Clarkefield and Wallan.
Clonbinane Fire Brigade will hold their own Get Fire Ready meeting this Saturday, while Seymour (this Sunday) and Wandong (Saturday, October 24) will follow.
