By MELISSA MEEHAN
JUST in time for the start of the fire season, the Mount Evelyn CFA is pleading with locals to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Mount Evelyn’s Officer in Charge, Rick Ventrella said with summer just around the corner it was important for locals to have a fire plan in place and start clearing their properties.
“We’ve been doing a drive around town and have found that a few people are already clearing up their properties which is great,” Mr Ventrella said.
“It is very important that people don’t get complacent, the fire threat is very real this fire season and people need to be prepared.”
He said that all plans should include leaving early.
“It’s all about the simple things you can do – have a fire plan, leave early, clear your property and ensure you have a battery operated radio in case power goes out,” he said.
“Another thing is to ensure that the entry to your property is wide enough for a fire truck to enter.”
The Fire Danger Period, which places blanket restrictions on burning off without a permit, began in the Yarra Ranges area as of 1am on Monday.
Region 13 Operations Manager David Renkin said that fire bans would be starting over a month earlier than usual due to warm and dry conditions, along with a rapid rate of grass curing.
He said these indicators, along with others, pointed to a “challenging” fire season for crews, and crews around the Yarra Ranges had been training for the worst-case scenario – a repeat of the catastrophic Black Saturday bushfires in 2009.
Fire Danger Period information:
* A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. This permit may be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office. Please check with your municipality in the first instance.
* Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $17,000 and/or 12 months’ imprisonment.
Barbecues and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces (to view complete conditions visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can
* Use of incinerators, chainsaw/lawn mowers, welding/grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/heat engine is permitted provided conditions are followed
* Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farming
* A Total Fire Ban declaration
