Lorne prepares for fire season

IN A BID to improve fire safety in the region, the Surf Coast Shire has kicked off its annual winter fuel reduction program.

This year the program will focus on Lorne, with the aim to reduce fuel loads on public and private properties ahead of the fire season.

Residents in the targeted area will work alongside council officers throughout the program to prepare properties.

Lorne is a high priority area for fuel reduction, with the municipality being one of the highest fire risk areas in Victoria.

“Reducing the bushfire risk in the Surf Coast Shire is everyone’s responsibility, and it is never too soon to start precautions,” Cr Gary Allen said.

“We all remember Christmas Day in 2015 and how our neighbours in Wye River were impacted so significantly. And of course, the terrible tragedy of Ash Wednesday.”

Running since 2009, the program complements fire break and fuel reduction burns undertaken by Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria.

Each year a different area around the Surf Coast is targeted, managing fuel loads around Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven and Moggs Creek.

Residents within the targeted area have been contacted with advice on managing vegetation around homes and buildings.

Vegetation from public land, including road reserves and roadsides will be removed by the council’s community fire safety and environment officers.

 

 

The officers are available to answer any questions about the program and provide information on fire prevention and managing vegetation while maintaining environmental values.

Cr Allen said other towns could also start their preparations now.

“Don’t forget your FOGO bin is collected weekly and green waste can be disposed of at the Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea Transfer stations.”

General guidelines for removing vegetation include:

Always consider safety first

Trim vegetation to create a clearance zone from buildings of 2m

Remove any woody weeds, and

Thin out dense vegetation close to buildings or fences and create fire breaks in hedges.

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au