As Victoria's weather begins to warm and we edge closer to an earlier fire season, CFA's message to those in high-risk bushfire areas is clear – prepare your property.
Victoria can expect a warmer spring, contributing to higher fire risk in parts of the state this season, according to the latest Spring Seasonal Outlook.
There are a number of simple tasks people can complete to reduce their risk this season, and now is the time to start taking action.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said CFA crews right across the state are making every effort to prepare for this year's fire season, but they need a collective community effort to reduce bushfire risk.
"Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world, so it's vital for everyone to plan ahead," he said.
"All it takes is some basic maintenance such as clearing your gutters, picking up loose leaves and twigs, pruning tree branches so they aren't overhanging the roof of your property, or even just keeping your lawn under 10cm tall.
"High rainfall and moisture levels over the past 12 months will have led to vegetation growth on private properties, so it's important to maintain your property through spring and into fire season."
Chief Officer Heffernan also encouraged everyone to sit down with your family or household to discuss and practice their bushfire survival plan together.
"CFA has all the information you need on our website to create a clear bushfire plan with your loved ones," he said.
"If you already have one, blow the dust off it and go over it with your family. Practicing your bushfire survival plan could save your family's life."
Victorians can learn more about how to prepare their property at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/prepare, and for more about bushfire survival plan, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan.
Take the following actions to prepare yourself and your property:
- Move your winter woodpile away from the house or sheds.
- Prune tree branches so they are not overhanging the roof or touching walls.
- Clear your gutters.
- Keep grass shorter than 10cm.
- Remove leaves and twigs from around your property.
- Test anything that is part of your fire plan such as sprinklers, pumps and generators.
- The quickest and easiest way to register your burn-off is by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify, or call ESTA on 1800 688 511.
- Make sure your household has a Bushfire Survival Plan. Find out how at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan.
