Step back from fire on the urban fringe

If you live or work close to grassland, parks or paddocks, you could be at risk of fire this summer.

For your safety, people who live on the urban fringe need to understand their risk and have a plan on hot, dry, windy days and plan for all situations.

Grassfires can start and spread quickly, especially on days when the Fire Danger Rating is Severe, Extreme or Code Red.

Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire would be if one started. As the ratings increase, so does the risk of uncontrollable fire.

Talk to the people you live with before summer, decide on your plan and make sure you all know what to do when the Fire Danger Rating is Severe, Extreme or Code Red.

If you live right next to grassland and a grassfire starts, walk at least two streets back from the fire – as encouraged by the CFA’s Stepback campaign – to stay safe and monitor conditions.

If you live two or three streets away from grassland and a grassfire starts, stay where you are. Grassfires are unlikely to spread into built up areas.

Never drive if you can see smoke or fire. Thick smoke will make it hard to see and traffic jams and accidents are likely. You need to keep roads clear for emergency services.

Remember, you won’t always receive a warning or be told what to do if a fire starts. Don’t wait and see – it’s up to you to be prepared, know what to do and take action.

Don’t try to get a closer look at a grassfire; fires can move very quickly and all fires can threaten lives – you will put yourself and others in danger.

The CFA has run several Stepback events in residential communities close to grassland across Victoria, including Armstrong Creek.