by Oscar Parry
As the summer heat rolls in, Macedon Ranges residents are urged to prepare their properties and fire plans for the CFA’s declared fire danger period, which is now in effect.
Beginning at 1am on November 25, the Macedon Ranges fire danger period bans the lighting of open air fires without a permit until the period’s end date, set for May 1.
CFA acting assistant chief fire officer Archie Conroy said people behaving inappropriately during the high fire risk period is a common cause of bushfires.
“Macedon Ranges, like everywhere else in Victoria, has had a prolonged dry spell leading up to this time … so you’ve just got to make sure everyone takes responsibility and accountability for the fire danger period … to reduce the risk of fires or reduce the impact of fires,” Mr Conroy said.
He said every household should have a fire plan about what to do leading up to a high fire danger day, which “could also involve your neighbours” and nearby families.
“If there’s an event happening in the Macedon Ranges, not only would there be a lot of smoke and a lot of confusion but also a lot of trucks responding to the events … so the best thing is to not be there on the high fire danger days,” he said.
“CFA is working with the brigades and residents of the Macedon Ranges to reduce the incidences of fires and the impacts of fires.”
He said while burning off at your property is currently banned, it is not too late to clean up potential bushfire fuel around your home through other methods.
With brochures available on the CFA website, Mr Conroy said there are precautions that should be taken if you mow, slash, or cook during the fire danger period.
According to the CF , community preparedness measures include moving winter woodpiles away from the house or sheds, pruning tree branches so they are not overhanging the roof or touching walls, clearing gutters and keeping grass shorter than 10 centimetres.
Details: cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan
