Residents in Greater Shepparton and the Moira and Strathbogie Shires are being urged to undertake their summer preparedness activities for bushfires as soon as possible.
CFA assistant chief fire officer Tony Owen said this summer would be a ‘little different’ to the last two summers because of less rainfall and expected higher daytime and night-time temperatures over the next three months.
“The landscape is drying out earlier and we anticipate we will have a ‘normal’ season with more fire activity than the past two years” Mr Owen said.
“Now is the time to prepare your property; if we have a spell of hot, dry, weather, restrictions could come in really soon.
“There is underlying dryness in the landscape and the forests are dry when compared with the previous two years.”
The starting date for the fire danger period is determined by several factors that include the weather and fuel loads.
Farmers also need to ensure their farming equipment is ready for summer and comply with requirements such as water extinguishers and exhaust systems free from mechanical defects.
Further information can be found at cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property
Any burn-offs require permits prior to lighting up and can be requested from firepermits.vic.gov.au or calling 1800 668 511.
Preparing for the fire season
1. Mature trees can help shield against radiant heat and embers.
2. Keep grass cut to less than 10cm.
3. Keep woodpiles away from the house.
4. Store flammable liquids away from the house.
5. Get rid of dry grass, leaves, twigs and loose bark.
6. Prune shrubs well away from tree branches and prune lower branches of shrubs to separate from surface fuels underneath.
7. Cut back overhanging branches.
8. Remove flammable items from decks and verandas, such as boxes, furniture and doormats.
9. Do not have large shrubs next to or under windows.
10. Keep gutters clear of leaf litter.
11. Use pebbles or rocks in your garden (not flammable mulch).