In the line of fire

By Kath Gannaway
PREPARE and prepare now, is the message Yarra Valley residents can take from a Department of Sustainability and Environment report on predictions for the upcoming fire season.
The report, coming in the 13th year of drought and forecasts of El Nino weather patterns, predicts an early fire season with more fires in the early part of the season.
“The prospect we are looking at is not just another above average fire season with above normal losses or risks to life and property,” the report states.
“The genuine prospect of a season with the greatest potential loss to life and property is now in sight, and as climate indicators strengthen, this looks to be an increasing likelihood.
Talking on ABC radio following the leaking of the report last week, DSE chief fire officer Ewan Waller confirmed a bad combination of factors would lead to what he called “disastrous fires”.
“What this report is saying is we are vulnerable, like we have been for a number of years and we are vulnerable coming into this summer as well,” he said.
While Mr Waller said it was early stages, he also said the DSE were watching the evolving conditions.
“Even if we get average rainfall, the underlying dryness is so severe now that it won’t avert a difficult season again,” he said. He said the government was putting out strong messages urging people to start preparing.
“Now is the time for people to start thinking and getting prepared regardless of whether this is going to be the worst ever or otherwise,” he said.
Mr Waller declined to say whether certain towns had been identified as being more at risk, but the report quotes rainfall deficits over the last three years within a 200-250 kilometre radius of Melbourne as having the lowest rainfall on record for the first six months of the year.
“This area is also the area where the highest exposure to life and property exists,” the report said.
“It also includes the remaining water catchment areas that did not burn last year.”
CFA spokeswoman Liz Thomas said while she could not comment on the report, the message from the CFA for Yarra Valley residents was also to start preparing now for the coming fire season.
She said fuel reduction and having a well-thought-out plan were two essential elements.
“In terms of their preparation, people need to know what their plan will be, to stay and actively defend their home, or leave well before a fire is in the area,” she said.
Ms Thomas said the CFA was currently organising information meetings which would be well advertised.
She encouraged people to attend them to gain an understanding of bushfire behaviour ahead of the fire season.
In another “leak” on the weekend there were media reports of State Government plans to allow residents in fire-prone areas to remove trees and vegetation within 10 metres of their homes without local council approval.
Residents would also be allowed to remove low-lying vegetation within 30 metres of a dwelling.
The plans are news to the Shire of Yarra Ranges councillors who have read all about it in The Age, but have not been consulted according to shire CEO Glenn Patterson.
“Clearly the government will need to look at the issue in great detail as extensive tree removal in some parts of the Yarra Valley may result in a number of unintended consequences including landslips.
He made the point however, that vegetation controls are within the State Government’s control.
“Vegetation controls and policies are based on State Government policy, including the Regional Strategy Plan. These provisions cannot be included in the planning scheme without the Minister’s approval,” he said.