The Smythesdale CFA members are bracing for the worst this summer.
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The long growth, much of which could not be cut back, is drying out quickly and will be fuel for fire when the region faces a string of hot, windy days.
Brigade Captain Alwyn Parker has seen immense change in his 48 years as a volunteer firefighter.
“(It’s changed) a hell of a lot. We used to have one tanker, now we can get out the door with 9000 litres of water in our truck (across three vehicles),” Mr Parker said.
He said the new pre-determined dispatch of 1500 litre helitack aircraft, to any grass or scrub fire on a day with a high fire danger rating, would significantly assist brigades and reduce the likelihood of small fires becoming disastrous.
“The aircraft will be able to attack the head of the fire from the sky, allowing ground crews to attack the flanks. This will stop fires from spreading,” Mr Parker said.
The veteran said fires in Linton and Snake Valley that killed a number of CFA members were still relatively fresh in the minds of local residents.
“The impact the fire had was that people have become more vigilant. As soon as they see smoke they come into action,” Mr Parker said.
He said Ballarat would be an ideal location for a proposed Emergency Services Hub, backed by council but now deemed unfeasible by Emergency Management Victoria.
“It would be good for the area, but at the end of the day the setting up has to be done correctly,” Mr Parker said.
“Ballarat is a good place for access because it is central to a lot of at-risk fire danger areas.”
Smythesdale fire restrictions start on Monday, while restrictions in Ballarat have been in place since December 12. A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the fire danger period.