Fire period kicks off

YARRA Ranges shire’s fire danger period officially began yesterday (Monday 23 January) with open-air burning now prohibited without a permit.
New mayor Graham Warren said the start of the CFA-declared period should serve as a reminder to residents to make sure they have a working fire plan.
“We are urging residents to make sure they have a fire plan and know exactly what they will do on a day of high fire risk,” he said.
Yarra Ranges Council has begun its own preparations for the fire season over the past few months.
“Council’s annual fire hazard inspection program of some 60,000 properties is almost three quarters complete,” Cr Warren said.
“We have also been working with caravan park owners on their emergency plans and with the DSE and CFA on community education.”
Cr Warren said the council would also be placing 60 signs around the Yarra Ranges, reminding motorists of the fire danger period.
Yarra Ranges residents can find the Red Cross’ REDiPlan at www.redcross.org.au/emergency-resources and the CFA’s Fire Ready kit at www.cfa.vic.gov.au to help them prepare their own plans.
The council also has a ‘Are you Fire Ready’ card, available from libraries and community links or by calling 1300 368 333. It contains information for residents needing to relocate out of a fire risk area on days of extreme danger.