Take steps to mitigate fire risk

OUR state experienced extreme weather recently and we are incredibly fortunate to have not faced wide-reaching catastrophic fires within Greater Geelong.

As temperatures rose to over 40 degrees in recent weeks, many braced for potentially devastating events, with a total fire ban declared across Victoria.

Our skies glowed hazy orange from the fires in the Otway Ranges and smoke was in the air, a sign that while our region managed to scrape through mostly unscathed, many people in neighbouring municipalities weren’t so lucky.

As a CFA volunteer, I recognise that so many factors surrounding fires are out of our control.

However, there are vital measures we can take to mitigate risks. We all have a collective responsibility to act before a crisis occurs.

To help us stay vigilant and prepared, the City’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officers are currently conducting inspections of rural and peri-urban properties as well as vacant land across Greater Geelong.

As a local government, it is our duty to protect life and property from the risk of fire, and it is the responsibility of all property owners to eliminate fire hazards.

To help reduce the risk of fire spreading, property owners should ensure that all grass, weeds and other undergrowth on their properties are cut and maintained to a height less than 100 mm throughout the declared Fire Danger Period, which is currently in effect until May 1.

Hazards like dead branches, piles of garden waste, timber, cardboard and other combustible materials must also be removed.

Any rural properties that are not used for cropping or livestock grazing must establish a continuous firebreak of an at least 6m wide perimeter around the property.

For more information about fire prevention, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/em or contact the City’s Fire Prevention team at 5272 7245.

In the event of a fire or catastrophic weather event, staying informed is vital. I strongly encourage residents to download the VicEmergency app to their phones.

Information is your most valuable asset during a disaster, and this app provides real-time updates on changing conditions and sends alerts if you are near an emergency.

I recommend setting up “watch zones” for the areas you frequent, including your home, work and family member’s properties, to receive tailored notifications in the areas that matter most to you.

I appreciate the efforts we are all making to protect our homes and the broader region, however it’s worth pointing out that fire safety extends beyond our own property lines.

If you are enjoying our beaches and natural parks this summer, please spare a thought for our emergency services when parking your car.

There have been recent reports that poorly parked cars and congested streets are causing delays in emergency services’ response times across the region.

Cars parked on both sides of narrow residential streets can cause blockages for emergency service vehicles, resulting in detours and delays in critical response time.

While this is a busy period, I ask that you park mindfully. Every second is precious in an emergency situation, so please do what you can to help our first responders and volunteers.

By staying vigilant and prepared, we can work together to keep Greater Geelong safe year-round.

Cr Trent Sullivan

Leopold Ward, City of Greater Geelong