A SUSPICIOUS grass fire last February has many Lucas residents spooked, with some feeling helpless as they prepare for a potentially dangerous fire season.
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Bonnie and Zacob Raine live on a developing estate near Cuthberts Road, their property backing onto knee-high parched grass.
Their proximity to the fire hazard, of which they have no control, is unnerving.
“We’re planning to head away soon and we’re a bit worried,” Ms Raine said.
“There’s not much you can do when it comes that quick.”
A glance north-west from the Raines’ porch reveals brown paddocks intersected by gum trees.
“If that (nearby grass) catches fire, the only thing stopping it is the fire truck,” Mr Raine said.
Aside from poisoning along the fence line of their property, the Raines are in the hands of whoever is responsible for managing the land.
“If they (developer or City of Ballarat) mow it (surrounding grass), we’ll be OK,” Mr Raine said.
Shane Armstrong, of Lucas, was not overly concerned by potential grass fires.
“The Country Fire Authority do their job outstandingly; there’s no risk,” he said.
Mr Armstrong said Cuthberts Road could act as an adequate buffer between his property and a fast-moving grass fire.
Members of another family, who did not want to be named, said their main concern was deliberately lit fires.
Three fires lit in the space of three weeks at Lucas in February came close to endangering this family’s home.
“We just stood there wondering whether we would have to defend the home if the big fire came over,” one family member said. “It was amazing how fast they spread. We had one person come off the road and tell us our paddock was on fire. We didn’t even realise.”
Historically, stock have grazed the paddocks close to the family’s house, but the animals haven’t roamed the adjoining land for months. “The best we can do is leave some green grass out the back,” the resident said.