By Oliver Lees
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) is reminding Macedon Ranges residents to be vigilant and keep their properties clear of potential fire hazards throughout the fire season and beyond.
With more than half of summer behind us, CFA north-west community engagement co-ordinator Paul Tangey said the number of fire incidents has been low compared to previous years.
“In the state of Victoria we’ve only had total fire ban days in the Mallee and Wimmera,” Mr Tangey said
“In previous years, we’ve had quite a number of them.”
But Mr Tangey said the fire season had not been entirely without incident, and that it was important that every landholder is reminded of their individual responsibility to prepare to protect themselves and the community.
“We’ve seen fires that have accidentally been started by the use of ride-on mowers,” he said
“Some of those things are pure accidents, grass has to be cut, but it’s just a matter of having to get rid of fuel levels and postponing activities like mowing when conditions aren’t as bad.”
The CFA also recommends that other activities such as slashing, welding and grinding, and barbecuing be practiced on days that are lower fire risk.
Mr Tangey said the CFA workforce had not been impacted by the high number of individuals currently in isolation due to COVID-19 protocol.
CFA Macedon Ranges Brigade commander Darren Eenjes said landholders must take care to maintain their properties year round.
“Vegetation and fire risk activities are undertaken by fire and other agencies all year round… therefore property clean ups need to happen all year round,” Mr Eenjes said.
The CFA recommends individuals check the Fire Danger Ratings in their area every day over summer.
These ratings predict how a fire would behave if one started and have been designed to inform appropriate action.
Details: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedanger
