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Be fire ready
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Posted: 14/09/2009
Wodonga Council Mayor Mark Byatt has urged residents to start getting ready for the coming fire season by taking part in Bushfire Action Week activities, to run throughout Victoria from October 11–18.
With this bushfire season expected to be worse than last summer when major fires claimed 173 lives, Cr Byatt said it was vital residents started planning and preparing now.
“While weather conditions on Black Saturday were unprecedented, we live in one of the most fire-prone states in the world, amid 13 years of drought, climate change and dry conditions,” he said.
“It is likely that we could see similar extreme conditions or worse this season.
“All of Victoria is at risk of bushfire, including communities near bush, paddocks, grassland and parks.
“Bushfire safety is a partnership between individuals, council, the emergency services, and the State.
“Council is working in partnership with the State Government and the fire agencies to make our municipality fire ready,' he said.
Wodonga Council recognises the need to plan and prepare to meet local needs, make our communities safer and help protect human life.
“Bushfire Action Week is the time for residents to identify their risk, start preparing their bushfire survival plan and start clearing their properties,” he said
“Even if you plan to leave before a bushfire threatens, preparing your home now will give it the best chance of surviving,” he said.
Wodonga Council advises residents and businesses to:
- Develop fire plans for their family, street/neighbourhood, and or their businesses
- Decide if they're going to stay to defend or if they will leave high risk areas on days of severe fire danger
- Know and understand the triggers for leaving before fire threatens, and plan where they will go
- Identify work required around their properties and community areas
- Clear vegetation and potential fuel from around their property, and
- Attend a local fire safety community meeting and join a local CFA Community Fireguard group.
Cr Byatt said Bushfire Action Week would culminate in a “Prepare to be Fire Ready” day on Sunday, October 18.
