Prepare for a grass fire season

Fire Action Week is coming up and Casey residents are being encouraged to prepare for the fire season.Picture: Keith Pakenham, CFA

By Bridget Cook
CASEY residents are being urged to use Fire Action Week to help prepare for the upcoming fire season.
The state-wide initiative, which will run from 13 to 20 November, aims to ensure all Victorians understand the importance of bushfire preparation and planning coming into the summer fire season.
City of Casey Mayor Shar Balmes said the council was working with the Victorian Government and fire agencies to ensure residents are fire ready.
“Victoria is one of the most fire-prone regions in the world and the City of Casey has many high fire risk areas so we all need to be prepared,” she said.
“Fire Action Week is a good time for residents to learn about their fire risk and prepare a bushfire survival plan ahead of the fire season.
“Planning ahead can save you and your family, so know what to do, when and where to go on hot, dry and windy days.
“Remember, leaving early is always the safest way to survive a fire.”
In 2011/12 the CFA has identified that Victoria will be at above average risk for grassfires, which includes many parts of the City of Casey.
Last summer was an unusually wet season that saw significant grass and vegetation growth throughout the region.
This year, weather conditions to date mean there will be prolonged growth into December, heightening the risk of bushfires and hot running grassfires throughout the season.
Grassfires can start earlier in the day and they can spread quickly, producing large amounts of radiant heat that can kill anyone caught out in the open.
Cr Balmes said residents should not be complacent.
“Grassfires should not be underestimated, they can be extremely dangerous and cause death, trauma or serious injury,” she said.
“The City of Casey is surrounded by grassland, so people need to be aware of their own risk, and the people and places around them that may also be at risk.
Newly designated Bushfire Prone Areas, which came into effect in September, have been identified across the state, including the City of Casey.
Learn your bushfire risk this Fire Action Week by visiting the Department of Planning and Community Development’s website, www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/planningtoolkit/bushfireproneareas.
Help on how you can get ready and a full list Fire Action Week events will be available at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 for help to prepare a bushfire survival plan.