By Jessica Micallef
Macedon Ranges residents are urged to “prepare for the worst and hope for the best” during the bushfire season.
While parts of New South Wales and Queensland are feeling the full force of the catastrophic damage a bushfire can cause, Macedon CFA captain Ross Luke is encouraging residents to use the events as a “warning”.
“We’ve always got the potential every year for that type of activity to occur down here,” he said. “While it still might be very green here in parts of the Macedon Ranges, the conditions in the forest are extremely dry.
“We’ve already seen fires creep through areas in the forest due to the dry conditions.”
Mr Luke said residents and visitors should not become complacent.
“I always urge residents to have a fire plan,” he said. “Do what you can to prepare your property to make it easier for us to protect your property in the event of a fire.
“Clean up any fuels around your house such as firewood, cut grass and have a fire plan in place so you know what your trigger points are on some of the bad days.”
The fire danger period in the Macedon Ranges started on November 25.
Fire restrictions are in place, which means burn-offs and open fires are banned without a written permit.
However, Mr Luke said it would be “unusual” for permits to be issued.
“For any burn offs or any fire that is of suspicious nature such as unattended campfires … police will be attending.
“People should consult the CFA website for further information.”
Macedon Ranges council is doing its bit to help residents prepare their homes in the event of a bushfire.
Free green waste disposal is available at the council’s transfer stations at Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend.
The council’s assets and operations director Shane Walden said now was the time for families to prepare their property and have a prepared bushfire survival plan.
“The introduction of the fire danger period is a key trigger for people to prepare their properties and review their bushfire survival plan,” he said. “Events in New South Wales and Queensland are a timely reminder that preparation is everyone’s responsibility and that early action can help prevent fires threatening lives and property.”
Details: cfa.vic.gov.au.home
