Elsie Lange
A Macedon Ranges Country Fire Authority (CFA) has echoed the statewide CFA call for Victorians to prepare for fires, despite a wet few months.
Romsey CFA captain Nic Needham said the wet winter led to an increase in grassy fuel loads, with further issues around being able to access the grasslands for harvesting because of wet conditions.
“People in all parts of the local municipality should be vigilant for fast moving grass fires as the grassland cures in the mid-to-late parts of the summer,” Mr Needham said.
“History has shown we have had fast moving fires even on a day where the fire danger rating hasn’t been elevated.”
This year’s bushfire outlook, released last week by the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services, forecasts a normal fire potential for north and north west Victoria, “with an increase in fire potential from mid-summer”, CFA said.
CFA said central and eastern Victoria were expected to receive above average rainfall, which will impact on fire activity in those regions.
Emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp said it was important for communities to “remain vigilant” and prepare for all emergencies, including fires, floods, storms, water safety, heat.
“Communities should consider not only how they can prepare themselves and their families but how they can support their neighbours or other vulnerable members of their community for a range of emergencies,” he said.
“Including a plan to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours following an emergency, if they are able.”
Last week, Macedon Ranges council announced it would waive a burn-off permit requirement during December for property owners of small blocks, to “streamline clean-ups ahead of the fire season”.
“In consultation with local CFA brigades and enabled by a wetter-than-normal spring, property owners of land less than one acre (4000 square metres) within the shire will not have to obtain the usual permit from council to burn off throughout December,” council said.
Council advised that all burn-offs, regardless of size, must still be registered by calling VicFire.
Council community director Maria Weiss said removing the permit requirement during December would support residents to get fire-ready.
“We’ve had an unseasonably wet spring, which has left grass and bushland wet across the Macedon Ranges, but there is always an increased risk of fires now and we cannot become complacent,” she said.
“Everyone has a role to play in preventing fires. A well-maintained property will help to reduce the risk of fire in our community, benefitting you and your neighbours.”
Call VicFire on 1800 668 511.
