Fire danger period to start soon

Published on 09 November 2023

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has announced the Fire Danger Period for Mount Alexander Shire which is in the North Central Fire District, will begin at 1.00am on Monday 13 November 2023.

This means you cannot light a fire in the open air unless you have a permit or comply with certain requirements.

Council, the CFA and other emergency management agencies are currently working with communities to plan and prepare for this year’s fire season

Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Acting Emergency Management Coordinator, Zac Abbott, said that now is the best time to prepare your properties ahead of a potentially hot and dry summer.

This may include slashing, mulching, green waste and removing available fuel from around the property.

“If you haven’t already, make sure you clear out gutters, move stacks of wood away from your home and maintain your lawns below 75mm,” said Mr Abbott.

“Now’s a really good time to finalise your personal or family fire plan and ensure you’ve considered any pets and animals you may have.

“It’s important to be prepared to leave your property early, ensuring you have somewhere to stay in the event of an emergency, extreme or catastrophic fire conditions.

“This could be anywhere that isn’t in the impact or forecast area, such as with family and friends away from the area or in a major town or city.”

Council encourages residents to download the VicEmergency app for emergency alerts, updates and advice to be sent directly to your phone.

Normal radio, telephone or internet communications may be disrupted during a disaster, so residents are encouraged to have a working transistor radio with a fresh supply of batteries in their emergency kit.

“The CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au is a great place to find information on how to plan and prepare for fires over summer,” said Mr Abbott.

“Council staff have been slashing grass on roads across the shire, helping to slow the spread of a grassfire should one start.

“Council staff are also conducting fire prevention inspections on properties in the shire to ensure residents are taking measures to reduce the risk of fire on their properties.

“Generally, people have been doing a great job of preparing, but it’s important not to get complacent.

“We all need to work together to keep our community safe,” said Mr Abbott.

Council is encouraging residents to prepare for fire danger period by doing the following:

• Mow or slash grass below 75mm on your residential property.
• Remove leaves from gutters, and remove stacks of wood, rubbish or branches from around your home.
• Create an emergency plan that outlines what you’ll do in the event of an emergency.
• Have an emergency kit that contains everything you would need if you had to leave quickly.
• Check your insurance and have a copy of important documents in your emergency kit.

To assist residents to prepare their properties for summer, Council is offering people the opportunity to dispose of their green waste for free at a transfer station in Maldon and Castlemaine from Saturday 25 November to Monday 11 December. Residents and ratepayers are encouraged to bring proof of shire residence.

For more information about fire restrictions during the Fire Danger Period, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can/. The Fire Danger Period will run through to 1 May 2024.

For more information about burning off, visit www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.

Visit VicEmergency online at www.emergency.vic.gov.au and download their app for information on how to prepare for fire, and to receive timely information during the event of an emergency.