Fire season heats up

A HOT start to the fire season has prompted the Hallam Country Fire Authority to call on residents to prepare for the warmer weather.
Fire officer Kerry Phillips this week encouraged residents to clean up their properties and prepare for the fire season.
Mr Phillips said even though Hallam and its surrounding suburbs were typically urban, there were still urban properties on the outer fringes of their response area that needed to take particular care.
“People need to keep their grass low, trim their trees and clear away any debris, broken branches and tree leaves,” he said. “Nothing should be stacked against the house, such as old timber or fire wood.
“Any dead limbs should also be removed and people should be checking that their hoses work and that they can reach all parts of their property.
“People should also be checking that their smoke alarms work,” Mr Phillips said.
Last week a total fire ban in the north-west of Victoria was the earliest in Victorian history. The historic ban follows warnings that this season will be much hotter and drier than average.
Mr Phillips said it was important that people started to prepare now to best protect themselves.