Check homes for fire weak spots

THE CFA is warning that constant vigilance will be needed as communities begin to prepare their properties for the coming fire season.
CFA Yarra Area operations manager Graeme Armstrong said residents should check their homes when completing repairs and maintenance around the house because embers from a fire will target those weak spots.
“When you are evaluating your house, every nook and cranny must be looked at as a potential threat,” Mr Armstrong said.
“Burning sparks from a bushfire are most likely going to enter your house through cracks – cracks in rooves, windows, doors and decks.”
However, while preparing a house is crucial, families must also plan their gardens, making sure they understand the bushfire risk in their area.
Where are the plants and trees, which of them are most likely to ignite during fires, how close are they to my house – those are the types of questions people need to be asking themselves,” Mr Armstrong said.
“But what people have to realise is that preparation may not be enough to save homes in catastrophic fire weather.”
While it is crucial homes and properties are prepared for this summer, families need to be aware their homes may become undefendable during a bushfire.
“As we have seen in the past, extreme conditions may make your homes undefendable and making the decision to stay and defend comes with high risk,” Mr Armstrong said.
“The safest place to be is always away from the fire.”
To find out more information on preparing for the coming fire season, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/residents/summer/countdownfireseason.