By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CASEY Council has urged residents to heed warnings for the upcoming fire season after the State Government launched its action plan in Endeavour Hills last week.
Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett visited Casey to launch the Fire Action Week, which was brought forward to run from 1 to 8 November following expectations of a long dry season.
Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said making informed decisions now was imperative.
“Fire Action Week has encouraged residents to think about the fire risk where you live, preparing your property, and talking to your family and friends about what you’ll do if a fire starts,” Mayor Aziz said.
“The Fire Action Week launch was held in Casey as this year’s focus is on the suburban housing areas of Melbourne’s urban fringe, where grassfire is a real risk as opposed to bushfire.”
So far this fire season emergency crews have responded to more than 1000 fires across the state, including 385 bush, scrub and grassfires in just one week in early October.
In 2014/’15, emergency services responded to around 4250 bush and grass fires.
Endeavour Hills has experienced many blazes in recent years, including on Black Saturday when nine homes were lost in Narre Warren North and Narre Warren South as well as buildings, fences and livestock.
“Taking steps to get prepared before a fire starts means it will be easier to act when you’re under pressure,” Mayor Aziz said.
“Remember, you won’t always receive a warning or be told what to do if a fire starts.
“It’s up to you to be prepared, know what to do and take action.”
For more information on how to get prepared and to access fire danger ratings and warnings, visit emergency.vic.gov.au, or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
Council has also prepared fire prevention information for residents which can be found at www.casey.vic.gov.au/fireprevention.
