WITH fire season drawing near, the Mitchell Shire Council is encouraging residents to clean up ahead of time.
People may have seen council workers spraying roadside areas in previous weeks, and slashing will commence once spring growth slows.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said this work is an example of the MSC’s commitment to the community safety partnership between Council and residents during summer.
“Council is doing its part on roadsides, and we’re working alongside our local CFA brigades. But the work people do on their own properties makes a real difference too,” he said.
Clean up efforts like clearing gutters, trimming back twigs and moving flammable materials away from your house are just a few of the ways to prepare your residence for a possible fire.
Burning off permitted materials like wood and excess vegetation around the house on low fire danger days is also an effective combatant.
The council’s advice comes as the CFA Deputy Chief Officer North East Region Gavin Thompson encourages more people to get down to their local Get Fire Ready event to ensure they are properly prepared ahead of the summer.
“We want people to understand the fire risk that exists in their area and what they can do now to be better prepared before the first season,” Mr Thompson said.
“The Get Fire Ready events are about helping local residents take action now to become better prepared – around both their property and amongst their family.”
Elsewhere in the community, the Romsey and Riddells Creek fire brigades joined up with several others in the area to take part in a group training exercise based out of the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve.
Teams from Darraweit Guim, Springfield and Clarkefield were among those working on building teamwork and keeping their skills sharp ahead of summer.
