HALLS GAP, VIC. — In the wake of two significant bushfires in the space of 10 months, Halls Gap Fire Brigade began working towards the ambitious goal of ensuring every resident in town had a fire plan.
In February 2024, nearby Pomonal was devastated by fire, and later that same year Halls Gap itself was issued with an Emergency Warning as fire came close to the town.
Halls Gap Fire Brigade Communications Officer Ash van Dyck said the experiences of the 2024-25 fire season reinforced the importance of being prepared before a fire starts.
“Our town’s location and surrounding bushland means that residents cannot afford to be complacent about their fire preparation,” Ash said.
“There’s one road in and the same road out, so if people aren’t prepared it’s very easy to get trapped.
“There’s so much flammable material everywhere that people live in and amongst, so we just have to prepare. We don’t have the luxury of saying, ‘I won’t worry about it’.”
With about 500 people calling Halls Gap home, the brigade estimates it has already reached more than 70 per cent of residents through community events, local groups and its ongoing fire preparedness activities.
“Leaving early is a big thing that we push because if you get caught and the main road is affected by fire, you’re not going anywhere,” Ash said.
Ash said the brigade also focuses on ensuring residents don’t feel panicked when fire threatens.
“After the February 2024 fire, our response was very much to say, ‘Let’s make sure everybody is fully prepared, as much as possible, if it happens again, or when it happens again’.”
When it comes to creating a fire plan, Ash said there was no one-size-fits-all solution.
“You’ve got to come up with a plan that works for you, your family and your property. No two plans are going to be the same. And we’re here to help people do that,” Ash said.
The brigade will continue that push at its upcoming Get Fire Ready event on Monday, October 19, held in conjunction with the Halls Gap community association.
About 135 people attended last year’s event, and the brigade is hoping to see some new faces this time around.
“If you’re in the Halls Gap area, we’d love to see you and help you create a fire plan for you and your family. That’s what we’re here for,” Ash said.
You can learn more about creating a bushfire plan by attending your local Get Fire Ready event. Find your nearest at cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready.
