Timely advice from longstanding fireman

After seeing the impact of the first significant blaze in the region, CFA volunteer of 28 years and Surf Coast Shire Councillor, Martin Duke has a stern warning for this season’s bushfire danger.

Cr Duke was a member of a Torquay brigade back-up strike team which attended the Little River-Lara fire in the first week of December.

The fast-moving blaze burnt about 1200 hectares, prompted evacuations, threatened homes and consumed sheds before being contained.

With another fire season well underway Cr Duke said the warnings were clear for neighbouring Surf Coast Shire.

“It was a telling reminder of how quickly things can unfold,” he said.

“We’re hoping to say we’re not going to get the big ones through here, but there’s always that possibility.”

Cr Duke said the speed of the fire had demonstrated the importance of having response plans in place.

“Don’t be complacent. Be prepared to leave before it happens, so look out for your warning signs,” he said.

“If you know it’s going to be a severe day or above make sure you are prepared, and that means you have everything with you; your mobile phones, your chargers, your medicines, your paperwork and animals ready to travel if you need to travel with them.

“Have those things ready to go, and plenty of water.”

Cr Duke said the properties he saw in Lara district had been well maintained and prepared.

“We need to make sure we clean up and clear our properties,” he said.

“Talk with your families, be aware of local dangers, make sure you listen to ABC 774 if anything is happening, or get the VicEmergency app on your phone.”

Being aware of local dangers included the potential for local events with big crowds to impact on travel times.

“Be aware that the Great Ocean Road might not be your get-out road if anything is happening down there,” he said.

He also recommended that people carry woollen blankets in their cars for additional protection from flames and heat in the event of becoming stranded.

Cr Duke shares a voice of experience, having attended many bush, grass and building fires since joining the Torquay brigade in 1990.

In his time, Torquay brigade has faced increasing challenges with the town’s growth however he said volunteers were well equipped and well trained.

Cr Duke’s involvement with the CFA continues a distinguished family record, with his 28 years contributing to more than 200 years of combined service with his siblings and in-laws.

He manages the volunteer role alongside paid work, other volunteering, and Council duties which might absorb between 15 and 30 hours a week.

Cr Duke is a member of Council’s Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee and Torquay Community Impact Advisory Committee.

Having shifted to Torquay from Yarraville in 1990, he was elected to Council in 2016.

“I wanted to give back to the community that had given a lot to me,” he said.