Outer Metro Norwest Area

Tuesday 16 December 2008

Fire danger still high despite weekend rain

Despite the weekend’s soaking rain across most of Melbourne and regional Victoria, the fire danger outlook remains high and fire restrictions remain firmly in place.

Acting Manager Community Safety David Allen said while the rain was welcome, it would not change CFAs central message that residents should prepare for what is still expected to be a severe fire season.

“Our predictions are still for an intense fire season—just not this month, thanks to the drenching over the weekend,” said Mr Allen

“We can draw a comparison between this December and an equally wet December in 2007. It was a quiet start to the season but then it started to heat up, particularly in March, which was one of the hottest on record.

“It does not take much for vegetation to dry out:  a few days of hot northerlies and no rain can turn lush growth into fuel for fire, so it’s important for residents in fire-prone areas to be ready at all times. Fire is indiscriminate and can happen anywhere and at any time.

“CFA crews in Outer Metro Norwest Area will be on alert throughout the fire season and our advice to residents is to be ready and have a plan in place to protect both yourselves and your property should conditions change,” said Mr Allen.

Mr Allen reiterated that the Fire Danger Period (FDP), introduced on 17 November 2008 for the municipalities of Wyndham, Melton, Macedon Ranges, Hume, Mitchell, Moorabool and Whittlesea, will remain in force until 1 May 2009.

“Residents are also reminded that fire restrictions are being enforced and that CFA is taking a zero-tolerance approach to illegally lit fires—any such fires will be reported to Victoria Police, who may prosecute offenders.”

During the FDP, burning off is not permitted without a permit (apply at your local Council) and there are rules regulating the use of barbecues, campfires and fireplaces.

The FDP and Total Fire Ban is explained in specific detail with the Can I or Can’t I? brochure, downloadable from CFA’s web site (www.cfa.vic.gov.au) or from your local CFA fire station.

For information on bushfire planning, call the Victorian Bushfire Information line on 1800 240 667 or visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Enquiries:

Kris Perkovic, Media & Marketing Coordinator

CFA Outer Metro Norwest Area

Phone: 8746 1417  |  Mobile: 0400 986 954

Fire Danger Period is now in force

CFA Outer Metro Norwest Area is advising residents that the Fire Danger Period (FDP) for the municipalities of Wyndham, Melton, Macedon Ranges, Hume, Mitchell, Moorabool and Whittlesea has commenced Monday 17 November 2008 and will remain in force until 1 May 2009.

Two consecutive months of below average rainfall and warmer than average Spring temperatures informed CFAs decision on a mid-November start to the Fire Danger Period.

During the FDP, fires cannot be lit in the open air without a permit. CFA Manager Community Safety, James Fox, said people should become familiar with what restrictions apply.

“Some fires need a permit, and others are only allowed in specific conditions,” he said. “Fires to burn off grass, undergrowth or weeds must be accompanied by a permit—issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

“Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth, however, do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces, within limits of wind speed and clearance perimeter, and are to be supervised at all times,” he said.

“Illegal fires are often lit without consideration of weather conditions and do not have the required controls in place to manage the fire,” Mr Fox added.

Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of up to $5,500 or 12 months imprisonment.

The FDP and Total Fire Ban is explained in more detail with the Can I or Can’t I? brochure, downloadable from CFA’s web site (www.cfa.vic.gov.au)..

For information on bushfire planning, call the Victorian Bushfire Information line on 1800 240 667 or visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au

TUNE IN TO BE PREPARED

With hotter and drier weather conditions predicted over the upcoming summer period, it is critical Victorians start getting prepared for the fire season now.

774 ABC Melbourne and ABC Victoria, the state’s Official Emergency Service Broadcaster will assist all Victorians to do just this, as they again partner with CFA, DSE, MFB and Department of Human Services (DHS) on Fire Awareness Day.

This year’s Fire Awareness Day is Friday November 14 and the ABC will broadcast a full day of comprehensive coverage in conjunction with CFA, DSE, MFB and DHS.  The day is aimed at drawing public attention to the fire season and the actions we can take to minimise the risks.

Fire Awareness Day provides important information about the bushfire season and advice on how people can prepare.

CFA Chief Officer Russell Rees said the day is really important to help spread the message that everyone needs to be prepared for fire.

“We need everyone living in Victoria to understand the risk.

“Over the last few years, fires have been in remote and rural parts of the state, but the dryness and lack of rainfall means there is a high potential for significant fires right across the state. The risk is heightened in residential areas because homes back on to parks and open land.” 

As the official Victorian Emergency Services Broadcaster, ABC Local Radio provides up-to-date information and support to residents and visitors to the state during bushfires.

ABC Local Radio Victoria, Manager, Steve Kyte said, “Supporting community safety initiatives is an integral part of what the ABC does in its capacity as the Official Emergency Services Broadcaster.

“We understand that access to up-to-date information during a bushfire is vital. On high fire risk days it is important to know what is happening at all times by listening to the radio, visiting CFA and DSE’s websites, visiting www.abc.net.au/melbourne/features/bushfires or calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.”

Throughout the day, ABC will be speaking to the Chiefs of Victorian Emergency Services, residents who have defended their property during fires and members of the emergency services.

Fire Awareness Day will run all day from 5.30am, where all programs will convey important fire messages and interviews. Both Statewide Drive, with Kathy Bedford and 774 Drive with Lindy Burns will also feature highlights and reports from ABC programs across the state.

Tune into 774 ABC Melbourne, ABC Ballarat 107.9FM, ABC Central Victoria  91.1FM, ABC Gippsland 100.7FM, ABC Goulburn Murray 106.5 FM, ABC Mildura Swan Hill 104.3 FM, ABC South West Vic 1602AM,  ABC Western Victoria 594AM or  ABC Shepparton 97.7 FM.

For further information, please visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au or abc.net.au/melbourne