Upper Ferntree Gully’s 1000 Steps closes on Total Fire Ban days — Parks Victoria
Popular fitness track 1000 Steps will be closed on Total Fire Ban days. But CFA reckon this will not stop some fitness fanatics, who have told them “if a fire started they can outrun it”.
Outer East
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Fitness fanatics are flouting the rules and putting their lives at risk by tackling the 1000 Steps during a Total Fire Ban.
The Kokoda Memorial Walk was closed today after authorities issued a Total Fire Ban across the state.
Earlier in the week, Parks Victoria announced this summer it would be closing the 1000 Steps and other Dandenong Ranges National Park properties to the public on Total Fire Ban days.
Parks Victoria fire and emergency director David Nugent said during summer the weather conditions can change dramatically with parks affected by fires, flooding or high winds.
“Visitor safety is one of Parks Victoria’s highest priorities and we may need to quickly close certain parks to protect the public and our staff,” Mr Nugent said.
“The 1000 Steps is a popular destination for visitors and locals and this park closure trigger has been put in place to reduce the risk to life, property and the environment.”
But Upper Ferntree Gully CFA captain Peter Smith said while authorities had closed the gate to the park’s driveway, it hadn’t stopped people from trekking up the steps.
He said volunteers had previously spoken to walkers who had defied the ban.
“People say to us, if a fire started they can outrun it. Or they say ‘it’s your job to come get us’,” he said.
He said both CFA and Parks Victoria were doing the best they could.
“Fires are totally unpredictable,” he said.
“The Black Saturday fire on Quarry Rd, if we hadn’t have stopped it when we did it would have taken out the park and the Mr Dandenong Tourist Rd and there would have been multiple fatalities.”
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Mr Smith said while a firefighters job was to save lives, he would not be putting his volunteers at risk.
“I’m not sending my people in there,” he said.
“Our main job is to save lives but I won’t be putting my fireys in where safety is in doubt.”
Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader has previously reported people face on-the-spot fines of $771 for disobeying a park closure.