By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
In the aftermath of the bushfire in Montrose last weekend, emergency volunteers shared valuable insights into the key lessons from the fire and emphasised the importance of preparedness, local knowledge, and community education.
Kalorama CFA’s community safety coordinator, Virginia Porter reflected on the critical concerns that arose during the Montrose fire on Saturday night, 15 March, particularly about the public’s reliance on social media and apps for emergency alerts.
She said while these tools are helpful, it should not be the sole source of information during a crisis.
“The main concern was that people were expecting to be told exactly what to do,” Ms Porter said.
“In a bushfire-prone area, it’s crucial that people have their own plans in place. They need to understand what to do when the fire threat is near – waiting for someone to knock on the door to tell you to evacuate isn’t realistic.”
As fires spread rapidly throughout the night, particularly in the Kalorama and Mount Daniel areas, those with local knowledge took proactive steps early.
Ms Porter said that many residents on the mountain, including herself, packed up and evacuated early in the day, and there were some who waited to be told what to do.
“The people who’ve been around here for a while knew that if the wind shifted, the fire could be here in less than 20 minutes,” she said.
“So, they packed up and left early. Unfortunately, others down in Montrose waited until the last minute, relying on someone else to tell them when to go.”
For those living in bushfire-prone areas, Ms Porter’s advice is clear: take responsibility for your own safety by developing a bushfire plan well before fire season begins.
“It’s important to plan for different fire danger days and make decisions ahead of time. Don’t wait until the fire is on your doorstep,” she said.
“Everyone’s situation is different—whether you have children, elderly family members, or pets to consider. Your plan should reflect that.”
Ms Porter also highlighted the difference in mindset between those living in bushfire-prone areas and those who are less familiar with fire risks.
Many residents in the Dandenongs, for example, have experienced multiple bushfire threats and have learned to act early, while others still expect emergency services to guide them every step of the way.
“People need to stop relying on the idea that someone will come and tell them what to do. That simply won’t happen,” Ms Porter said.
“You need to have a plan, know your surroundings, and be ready to act.”
In response to the increasing reliance on social media for information, the CFA’s community safety coordinator encourages residents to gather information from multiple reliable sources, such as local fire brigades and emergency services.
This will help ensure that people are prepared for whatever the fire season may bring.
The history of fires in the Dandenongs is a significant factor in understanding the risks in the region.
Ms Porter recommended reaching out to operational members for more in-depth historical context, mentioning John Schauble, from the Sassafras Fire Brigade as someone with extensive knowledge of local fires and their impact on the community.
Despite the challenges, Ms Porter remains optimistic that the community can learn from the Montrose fire and build a more resilient approach to future bushfire threats.
She strongly advocates for ongoing community education through fire brigade meetings, where residents can learn how to create and execute a fire plan tailored to their specific needs.
“We need to encourage people to attend these community meetings, understand the risks in their area, and most importantly, have a plan in place,” she said.
“Fires are unpredictable, but if you’re prepared, you can react quickly and safely.”
Ms Porter’s message is clear: preparedness and local knowledge are the best defences against the ever-present threat of bushfires.
For more information about fire safety and to access resources for creating a personal fire plan, residents are encouraged to visit their local CFA station or attend community safety meetings in their area.
