By Callum Ludwig
CFA District 13 which covers the Yarra Ranges and Seville CFA are holding a free fire safety information session next week to help residents around the Yarra Ranges to be prepared in the event of a bushfire emergency.
Attendees will receive a seasonal update covering local fire risks, consider their survival and planning options and learn about what to expect and how to know when there is a fire.
Seville CFA Community Safety Officer Claire Knowles said residents should be aware that fire behaves differently in different landscapes and weather conditions.
“The Yarra Ranges is a high-risk area for bushfire and its important that residents, businesses and visitors to Seville and the Yarra Valley are aware of the risks, have a fire plan and triggers to activate their fire plan and know what to do,” she said.
People should remain vigilant and aware of the fire risks, even in a wetter summer/fire season. Wet weather increases growth in vegetation and the warmer days dry out that vegetation, leading to an increase in fire risk.”
The session will cover the following key points for residents:
The local bushfire risk in Seville and surrounds
The biggest threats to life and property – radiant heat and ember attack
Fire Danger Ratings, Warnings and Advice
Why planning and good decision making is important, last resort options and the dangers of traveling on the road in a fire event
How personal capacity and circumstances can affect the success of a plan
The need to take further action to seek information and undertake preparation activities to survive fire.
Ms Knowles said the Fire Danger Period has now been introduced due to the increased Fire Danger risk present across the area.
“With current weather conditions, we are seeing an increase in grass growth and grasslands are drying out quickly with the warm days. It is important the community remain aware of the fire risk and have plans that are appropriate for their personal circumstances,” she said.
“The Fire Danger Period restricts the use of fire in the open air meaning you cannot light a fire unless you have a permit or comply with certain restrictions. Seville CFA encourages people to familiarise themselves with the CFA publication ‘Can I or Can’t I’ which outlines what you can and can’t due during the Fire Danger Period and on Total Fire Ban days.”
The ‘Can I or Can’t I’ publication is available on the CFA website.
The session is on Friday 10 February from 6pm to 7pm at the Seville Water Play Park on Monbulk-Seville Road, Seville.
