Fire up for free at community events

PEOPLE can collect a free copy of the award-winning board game The Fire Game at coming community events as part of this year’s Fire Up! program.

Residents and visitors will be able to get hold of fire-ready information at various events across the Surf Coast.

“We’ve got so many well-attended events in each of our wards, it makes sense for council and our emergency response agencies to have a presence at these community events to spread the fire ready message,” shire mayor Brian McKiterick said.

“The Surf Coast is recognised as one of the world’s most bushfire-prone areas. We want everyone – whether you’re a resident or visitor, or you’re fire-ready or unprepared – to access this information so they can plan ahead.”

The Fire Game is an educational and interactive board game that results in improved fire awareness.

Inspired by local towns, players can put themselves in situations that simulate some of the real challenges of a bushfire.

Fire Up! information will be available at Aireys Inlet School Fair (November 4), Lorne Foreshore Market (November 4), Anglesea CFA Open Day (November 11), Torquay College Festival (November 12), Torquay Farmers Market (November 25) and Winchelsea Makers and Growers Market (December 8).

Cr Martin Duke – a serving Torquay CFA member – said attendees at the events could play and pick up their own free copy of the award-winning The Fire Game, which encourages people to get fire ready.

“The localised board game has won three major awards because of its innovation and its ability to start important conversations about what people will or should do in the event of a bushfire.

“We know that talking and thinking about
bushfire actions before making decisions is vital to your safety during a fire. Now is the best time to understand you and your loved ones’ fire risk and get prepared, not when a fire starts.”

For information on how to stay safe, head to the VicEmergency website at emergency.vic.gov.au, download the VicEmergency app, or phone the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.