Bushfire water not on tap

YARRA Valley Water (YVW) will join the CFA this week urging residents to make sure they have an independent water supply for the summer fire season.
Meetings will be held on Thursday 14 January in Olinda at the town’s CFA station at 7.30pm, and in Yarra Glen at the town’s memorial hall from 7.30pm.
YVW managing director Tony Kelly said bushfires could affect water supply, which meant residents couldn’t rely on mains water to defend their homes.
He said it was important for residents to know the restrictions on mains water during a fire.
“The water supply may be affected by electrical failure, fire trucks using the water in the system to protect the community or vital infrastructure in the event of a bushfire,” Mr Kelly said.
“While we have a range of prevention programs and procedures in place, water pressure or an interrupted water supply can’t be guaranteed in the event of a fire.”
CFA’s Yarra Region community education co-ordinator Phil Cuthbert said the fire authority urged all residents to prepare for fires with an independent water supply.
Those who haven’t planned for an independent supply are being urged to attend one of the YVW meetings.