CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson wants every property owner in the Ballarat region to prepare now for the fire season.
Standing in a muddy field in rainy Ballarat yesterday, Mr Ferguson urged locals to begin reducing fuel loads around their homes and businesses.
“We’re now coming into the fire danger period,” he said.
“The grassland is drying very quickly, particularly in the
western part of Victoria.”
Mr Ferguson said the recent wet weather was no reason to think the fire season was still on the horizon, and he urged Ballarat locals to take November very seriously.
“Some people might be lulled into a false sense of security because of the rain,” he said.
“We see the rain is continuing to stimulate the growth, which means the fire prevention work is even higher.”
“If you get on top of the grass early, it rots away and it’s easier to keep on top of it over summer.”
Mr Ferguson said the CFA believes this year could be one of the worst grassfire seasons for some time and said local councils, fire agencies and property owners need to work together to combat growth.
“This is a shared responsibility ... now is the time to act to undertake those fire prevention works,” he said.
“Farmers, property owners — get out there, start mowing, start slashing and get your fire-fighting equipment ready.”
Ballarat is designated as a potential base for one of the two giant air cranes available in Victoria, making the region well-placed to tackle the fire season.
But Mr Ferguson stressed the importance of not underestimating grass fires.
He said it had been a while — as far back as 1985 — since Victoria has seen significant grass fires.
“Grass fires will start more easily (and) they’ll be more influenced by wind. History has shown fast-moving grass fires cause significant loss of property and in some cases significant loss of life,” he said.
“Don’t think you can drive through it, don’t think that you can drive around it — the grassfire that might be on the horizon now, in 30 minutes could be crossing the highway in front of you.”
Anyone needing help with making plans for the upcoming fire season or for more information on the CFA response, call the 1800 240 667 or visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au
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