Get serious: CFA

By Bridget Brady
FIREFIGHTERS are reminding Casey residents not to be complacent about fire safety, despite an abnormally wet summer.
The large rainfalls have resulted in overgrown grass and shrub, which firefighters say can quickly dry up and pose a fire danger after only a few hot, dry days.
Authorities are also disappointed at the poor turnout to fire safety meetings in the City of Casey. Of the 10 meetings held this summer, six were cancelled because nobody registered to attend.
CFA operations officer for the southern metropolitan region, Cliff O’Connor, said it was important people kept their properties tidy and made the most of available information.
Mr O’Connor said with devastating news of floods and a cyclone, people’s minds had switched off from the threat of fire.
“Our concern is that people could become complacent after the fact that summer hasn’t eventuated,” he said.
“The fire season has just started.”
CFA community education co-ordinator for southern metropolitan region, Chris Barber, said it was important residents kept their properties safe from fire.
“If a property is very well prepared, there is less chance of spot fires starting,” Mr Barber said.
The community response to the bushfire safety meetings in Casey was far from ideal, Mr Barber said.
Of the four meetings that went ahead, only one or two people turned up, Mr Barber said.
“It was a very disappointing response from the community.”
Mr O’Connor said the CFA worked with Casey council, and the fire safety message was a community effort.
“We can help you, but you’ve got to help us as well,” he added.
As part of a recommendation from the Bushfire Royal Commission, Mr Barber said people in high-risk fire areas – such as the coastal villages – would receive information in the mail about an opportunity to get one-on-one advice from a qualified fire officer about keeping their properties safe.
“People should take advantage of it if they can,” Mr Barber said.
Casey council said it concurred with the CFA’s message.
Council officer Tracey Blythe said the council continued to implement its annual fire prevention inspection program during summer.
“Although the weather has been considerably wetter than in previous years, the Central Total Fire Ban District has still seen a number of consecutive hot dry days that had the potential to carry a wildfire,” Ms Blythe said.
“On days of severe, extreme and/or code red fire danger risk, residents should activate their bushfire survival plans and keep updated regularly with fire safety messaging and information from the CFA website on these days.”
To order a fire ready kit – and for any other information – call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667. You can also visit the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au