Workshop about getting fire-ready

AN upcoming workshop is being run next weekend with the aim of giving attendees the tools to better prepare their home from fires.

Run by CFA West Region’s community engagement team and Smythesdale Fire Brigade, the fire planning workshop is set to be held at the Ross Creek Community Hall.

CFA West’s community engagement coordinator Chris Carey said the session will give attendees practical advice to go home with.

“We take the community to show them that what they do around their home can affect the type of fire around their area and give them a better chance of survival,” he said.

“They can alter their fuel loads and move things around their home like garden mulch, potted plants, or furniture around the side of the house.

“We’ll work through a workbook that will help them identify triggers for their plan and give them hints and recommendations they can use to create a plan that suits their needs.”

The Ross Creek workshop is one of about 40 sessions taking place in the CFA West Region, which covers from Bacchus Marsh to the South Australian border.

Sessions have been delivered at various towns since early October and will continue into the new year.

Mr Carey said with a hotter and dryer season on the way, it’s important everyone is equipped to defend their property.

“The last two, three years we’ve had mild and wet summers whereas this year will be a normal one. Things are drying out already and we need to get into that mindset that there will be fires,” he said.

“If we get the right conditions it could be a severe one so we need to be planning ahead to protect our families and homes.”

The Ross Creek fire planning workshop is set to run from 10am to 12pm on Sunday 10 December.