Fire Danger Period begins in the shire

THE Fire Danger Period (FDP) is now in effect across the Surf Coast Shire, and the shire started its annual roadside slashing program this week to reduce fire fuel loads.

Roadside slashing will start in the hinterland and move from the northern part of the shire to the south.

Works are expected to take three to four weeks, depending on the weather, finishing in time for Christmas and the busy summer season.

The FDP for this summer began on 1am on Monday this week.

“Reducing the fire danger risk is so important and it’s great to see these works getting under way,” Cr Tony Phelps said.

“We all need to do as much preparation as we can as we’re facing an increased risk due to a very dry winter and above average temperatures.

“The fire danger is here now and we need to be prepared,” he said.

The roadside slashing program helps to prevent fire risk by:

• Reducing the potential for roadside ignition from cars/trailers/machinery pulling over
• Reducing the radiant heat the grass produces when on fire, helping to reduce the potential size and risk of the fire, and
• Reducing the risk of fires burning upwards and igniting trees.

During winter, the Lorne community came together with the shire’s Fire Prevention Officers for the winter fuel reduction program.

This program aims to manage fuel loads in a targeted town and complements fire break and fire reduction burns undertaken by Forest Fire Management Victora and Parks Victoria.

More than 200 properties in Lorne worked with shire officers to reduce vegetation around their homes and buildings.

At the same time, shire officers cleared road reserves next to 110 homes and created more than 300 cubic meters of mulch.

“Thanks to the Lorne community for the great work they have done already with the winter fuel reduction program,” Cr Phelps said.

“It’s great to see how committed locals are to being prepared and doing what they can, no matter the season.

“There is still time to be fire ready and if you need advice on preparing your property, Council’s fire prevention officers are available to come and conduct a free inspection.

“It’s so important that everyone cleans up around their property, has a fire plan in place and keeps informed via the Vic Emergency app or listening to ABC radio.”

Property inspections have started for compliance with fire prevention measures, such as vegetation management and grass slashing.

Properties that are considered a fire hazard are issued with a fire prevention notice and the owner is required to undertake the prescribed works.

Failing to act on a fire prevention notice may result in fines.

For more information about being fire-ready, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/fireready

For more information about the FDP, head to cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-danger-period/about-the-fire-danger-period