The Kallista-The Patch Fire Brigade is inviting the community to visit their fire ready open day and sausage sizzle at the Kallista Market on Saturday, 4 October, between 9am and 1pm to connect with local CFA volunteers and get prepared for the fire season.
The initiative is part of the brigade’s push to raise awareness and encourage community preparedness ahead of the upcoming fire season.
The brigade’s captain, Luke Maclean said the event is a valuable opportunity for residents to get informed and take practical steps toward protecting themselves and their properties.
“I hope we can answer some of the questions people may have about living in a bushfire at-risk area,” Mr Maclean said.
“If even a few locals go home and write a fire plan, the day will have been worthwhile, it’s so important to think these things through before an event occurs.”
Brigade members will be on hand to discuss everything from preparing properties and understanding fire danger ratings to knowing when to leave and how to create a fire plan.
Free “Get Fire Ready” materials will be available, along with a localised map highlighting high-risk properties and areas within the bushfire management overlay.
Mr Maclean emphasised that fire safety begins at home, with simple actions making a big difference.
“Number one, have a plan to leave early on catastrophic days at a minimum. If a severe fire impacts Kallista, leaving early is the safest option,” he said.
“To prevent smaller fires from spreading, keep your lawns mown, gutters clear, and have a hose readily available if you are burning off.”
The brigade is also urging all residents in the Dandenong Ranges to download and set up the ‘VicEmergency app’, which provides real-time updates during emergencies.
“The app provides good quality and easily understood information that will help you make sound decisions when activating your fire plan,” Mr Maclean said.
“That being said, we know phone service can be unreliable in the hills, so having a radio on 774 and stepping outside to check for smoke on hot and windy days is still a good idea. Multiple sources of information is key.”
The open day will also be a space for two-way conversations.
“The day will be a great opportunity to ask your local firefighters questions about anything – preparing your property, access for our trucks, joining the brigade, when you can or can’t burn off, school closures – whatever you need to know,” Mr Maclean said.
For more information about your local get fire ready open day, visit: cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready
