A new national fire danger rating system comes into effect on September 1, and Macedon Ranges council is encouraging residents to familiarise themselves and update their fire plans accordingly.
Developed by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) and led by Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA), council will be raising awareness of the changes leading up to and throughout the summer fire season.
Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson encouraged residents to understand the new system as soon as possible.
“The Macedon Ranges is one of the most fire prone areas of Victoria, and Australia, and so being fire ready is an essential part of living here,” she said.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to get to know the new Fire Danger Rating System and take steps to plan and prepare.”
The new system has been developed using the latest science to be accurate and relevant to where residents live. The same system will be used across the country for consistency, regardless of if families are at home or travelling.
Community feedback informed the design process to ensure accessibility and clarity.
The new Fire Danger Rating system has four levels, instead of the previous six:
∙ Moderate – Plan and prepare
∙ High – Be ready to act
∙ Extreme – Take action now to protect your life and property
∙ Catastrophic – For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas
Ratings will be issued on days when there is a fire risk. Each rating has a clear set of messages and actions the community can take to reduce risk.
Council said roadside signs will be updated from September 1, the look and feel the same across all state and territories. Communities most at risk will be prioritised.
“The new Fire Danger Ratings are designed to make it easier for residents and visitors to understand the level of fire danger on any given day and when to take action,” Cr Anderson said.
Details: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/total-fire-bans-and-ratings/about-fire-danger-ratings
