With hotter and drier weather predicted this bushfire season, understanding and managing bushfire risk in the Surf Coast Shire is vital.
Fighting fires for over 42 years, career firefighter, and Country Fire Authority (CFA) Surf Coast District Commander, Wayne Aylmer, said everyone plays a role.
“The forecast drying patterns across the state will be closely monitored by Victorian emergency services as we approach the summer season,” Mr Aylmer said.
“We work closely with Forest Fire Management (FFM)Vic to deliver planned burns on public and private land. This helps reduce risk and improve the safety of communities.
“While the fire services are doing everything we can, we need the public to be engaged and involved for their own safety.”
Mr Aylmer said he has seen firsthand the impact not being fire ready can have.
“Not extinguishing a campfire or a burn off properly can have devastating and lasting impacts on the community,” Mr Aylmer said.
“Being prepared, having a plan, and leaving early can mean avoiding a family tragedy and experiencing the grief that comes with it.
“Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world, so it’s vital to plan ahead.”
FFMVic Deputy Chief Fire Officer David Rourke said they work year-round and are well prepared for an earlier start to the bushfire season.
“We focus on minimising bushfire risk for communities and the environment through planned burning, slashing and maintenance of strategic fuel break networks.
“The community has an important role as well. Everyone needs to understand their local risks, stay informed, and act now to prepare themselves and their properties.”
Mayor Liz Pattison said living in and around the Otways means residents and visitors need to be aware of the risks throughout the fire danger period.
“While we appreciate this natural environment, the majority of bushfire risk to life and property is through vegetation on private land in and around our townships,” Cr Pattinson said.
“Bushfire modelling shows planned burning by fire agencies can reduce the risk to lives and properties by 30 to 40% in the Otways.
“But planned burns are weather dependent and some years are less possible. Action taken on private property can greatly reduce the risk to lives and properties.”
How to prepare for increasing bushfire weather conditions
- Before and during every bushfire season, clean up your property, focusing on:
- Removing fine fuels (leaves, twigs, keeping grass short).
- Reducing shrubs, ensuring trees have good separation from other trees and shrubs, and other flammable objects around your house/sheds etc.
- Vulnerable points such as windows, decking, under house storage etc.
Learn more via cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan
- Embers are responsible for 80% of houses lost in bushfires.
By managing vegetation and reducing fuels you can reduce the risk of house loss due to embers. Vegetation management is most important in the lead up to and during summer.
Learn more via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/FireReady
- By using your green waste bin, you can dispose of over 12 cubic meters of green waste per year. Council has provided three free green waste disposal vouchers with the October rates notice for every property. These vouchers are valid in November and December to help clean up your garden of bushfire fuels.
- Whether you are living, working, or visiting the Surf Coast Shire, it is essential to understand, plan and prepare for bushfire. The Australian Fire Danger Rating System provides triggers for actions. Plan ahead for the bushfire season at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions
