GIPPSLAND, VIC. — 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 southeast are invited to attend local events in the coming weeks.
As part of the CFA’s Get Fire Ready campaign, more than 110 southeastern (Gippsland) 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; and
- setting up the VicEmergency app and watch zones.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer, South East Region, Trevor Owen, 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,” Trevor said.
“As predicted in the AFAC Spring Outlook, large parts of the southeast have an above-average risk for fires this season.
“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.”
CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer District 27 Sam Webb encouraged everyone to get out and chat to a brigade.
“We are a small district here, but we still have a great number of events for locals to get out to,” Sam said.
“Brigades will be at local markets, opening their station doors, and floating around towns to engage the community.
“Members will have large maps of their townships and brigade areas to show you exactly where the risk is and are eager to help you create fire plans.
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.
