Firefighters list most common mistakes in getting fire ready
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Drones, out of control burn-offs and badly executed barbecues could lead to a fire disaster across rural areas north of Melbourne this summer, warn firefighters.
CFA members bracing for a hot, dry summer have urged community members to be aware of the damage such acts — which they see year after year — could cause.
While the 2019/20 fire danger period is yet to be announced, dry weather has brigades warning the community to be ready early.
Woodend CFA captain Mike Dornau said the most popular mistake by community members was what he called “burn-offs done badly”.
“People need to make sure that if they’re going to burn-off, it’s done the right way,” he said.
He advised keeping a burn-off under control by making sure there was no wind, a solid water supply nearby and to clear the area around the fire.
“We’ve been to several burn-offs where there’s no one around the fire and none of these have taken place,” he said.
“The brigade has arrived on site and flames are climbing the trees.”
The CFA website advised residents to check smoke alarm batteries, prepare a fire safety plan, clear gutters and long grass, and register burn-offs as basics for anyone wanting to get ready for the summer months.
Craigieburn Commander David Maxwell advised Melburnians in the outer north to be vigilant when planning barbecues and burn-offs.
“It’s about cleaning up around properties, (and) ensuring there are adequate breaks between the urban interface and the grassland,” he said.
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Mr Maxwell advised residents to be conscious of safety around barbecues, and to be mindful of emergency services after they’d been called.
“Be aware of emergency services and make sure you clear pathways,” he said.
“Another common mistake we have in urban areas are during a fire, people getting their drones out to get a better view.
“These post a safety risk to aircraft and we have been forced to ground them before.”
Mernda CFA’s Adam Kelly said he had seen people’s fire safety improve in the years since the Black Saturday bushfires, but there were still improvements to be made.
“I see people leaving burning off to the last minute,” he said.
“It can also be concerning when you’re driving past people’s houses and you see low hanging trees or things growing out of gutters.”
Register a burn off at 1800 668 511 or find out more about fire safety at cfa.vic.gov.au