SOUTH WEST VICTORIA. — The Country Fire Authority (CFA) is calling on Victorians to ‘Get Fire Ready’ ahead of what’s predicted to be a high-risk fire season, and residents in the southwest are invited to attend local events.
As part of CFA’s Get Fire Ready campaign, more than 175 southwest fire brigades will open their station doors across weekends in October and November to help residents and landowners with practical steps to help protect their homes, families and properties.
Community members can speak directly with CFA volunteers about:
- their local fire risks
- creating or updating a fire plan
- preparing their property before summer
- setting up the VicEmergency app and watch zones.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer South West Region Adrian Gutsche is encouraging the local community to come along, have a chat with local volunteers and learn how a few simple actions now can help them feel more prepared and confident ahead of 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 fire season,” Adrian said.
“The AFAC Spring Outlook indicated that we have an above-average risk of fire in pockets of our region, particularly the far southwest corner, meaning we could get an earlier start to the season than normal due to the underlying dryness and various rainfall deficits.
“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.
“Having a plan and preparing early can make a significant difference during an emergency. Taking a few simple steps now rather than waiting until a high fire danger day is the perfect start.
“We’re always here to help and these Get Fire Ready events are a great way to have that open discussion with our local community.
CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer, District 5, David Ferguson said nearly 60 of his brigades will be holding events this month and are eager to connect with their local community.
“We’re really proud of our community engagement across the Moyne and Southern Grampians Shire areas, and our brigades are keen to chat to their residents at any opportunity,” David said.
“Brigades will be putting on sausage sizzles, getting the trucks out, and will have large maps of their local brigade area to show everyone the risk areas to be aware of.
“From Port Fairy, to Macarthur, Coleraine, Cavendish, Bulart, Glenthompson, and Hamilton and surrounds, there will be plenty of station doors open for people to pop into over the next five weeks.
Residents are encouraged to create or update their bushfire plan, prepare their property, download the VicEmergency app and set up watch zones for locations important to them.
To find out more about your local Get Fire Ready event, please visit: cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready.
