Fire danger period looms

HILLS residents have been warned to prepare for the start of the Fire Danger Period on Friday, 16 December.
Country Fire Authority operations manager John Athorn said at this stage 16 December was likely to be the date but he said his final decision would be based on local conditions.
He said there would be little formal notice to residents once the Fire Danger Period was declared because of cut-off times required by print media.
Mr Athorn said residents should be alert for the installation of roadside signage which will remain covered until the start of fire restrictions.
Good rainfalls have resulted in plenty of lush growth that will change very quickly to fire fuel, he warned.
“People need to have a plan to manage this fuel load on their properties and now is the best time to get out and start managing the issue,” he said.
Mr Athorn said in the past few weeks several burn-offs had got out of control in the St Andrews and Wattle Glen areas.
“Every year we declare the fire danger period, every year we have bushfires, every year residents are told to clean up before a bushfire does and every year we get people attempting to burn off once the fire danger period starts,” he said.
Mr Athorn said people who go against the fire danger regulations are placing lives and homes in jeopardy because when people burn off there is always a risk of the fire getting out of control.
He said the risks are even higher during the restricted periods because once the ground, grass and leaves are dry the danger increases.
“There are severe penalties for those flouting the law, but it’s the responsibility to your neighbours and the broader community that people should consider,” Mr Athorn said.
For more information regarding bushfire plans or total fire ban days please contact your local CFAor visit the website www.cfa.vic.gov.au