Upwey Fire Brigade member calls for 1000 Steps to be closed on all total fire ban days
AN UPWEY firefighter has called for the 1000 Steps to be closed on all total fire ban days.
Outer East
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AN UPWEY firefighter has called for the 1000 Steps to be closed on all total fire ban days to end confusion about when the popular fitness spot is and isn’t open during extreme heat.
It comes as angry people took to Parks Victoria’s Facebook page to vent their frustration after the authority announced the steps would be open today — despite a post yesterday which said they would be closed. The day has been declared a total fire ban for the central district, which includes the Dandenong Ranges.
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Speaking to Knox Leader, Upwey Fire Brigade’s Ryan Vanderhorst said there was confusion in the community about when and why the steps were closed on some total fire ban days and today was an example.
He said local firefighters wanted to see the steps closed on all total fire ban days to end the confusion, and ensure the safety of people climbing the steps and firefighters.
“It’s not worth the risk of having them open on (total fire ban days),” Mr Vanderhorst said.
At 2pm yesterday, Parks Victoria posted on Facebook that parks including the 1000 Steps would be closed today due to severe fire danger.
But about 8.30pm last night, the authority posted: “Good news, a late change in the weather forecast means the Dandenong Ranges NP (National Park) and the Dandenong Ranges Gardens will remain open to visitors on Tuesday 19 January. So get those runners back out and we’ll see you at the top of the 1000 Steps! It’s the variable weather in the Dandenongs that keeps it interesting, but it is late notice so please help us spread the news if you can, we really appreciate it”.
People vented their frustration about the change of mind on Parks Victoria’s Facebook page, including Dazza Razza who wrote: “Why is it that you are soooo slow to tell us the park will be closed but soooo quick to tell us its open?”
Victoria Mathers wrote: “This is really confusing Parks Victoria. On again then off again. Please come up with a definitive plan. It’s no wonder people turn up when the steps are closed because it’s unclear what’s going on!”
Naomi Cooper wrote: “This is ridiculous! Fire danger still severe and conditions can change in an instant! Why are Parks Victoria putting our vols, (volunteers) emergency services and locals at risk IF a fire breaks out?”
Parks Victoria responded and said: “We are confident that most people would understand that cooler than expected weather meant we could open the park and we don’t want to exclude people from the park when it isn’t necessary.
“Parks Victoria closes the Dandenong Ranges National Park when there is a severe Fire Danger Rating at the Bureau of Meteorology’s Ferny Creek or Coldstream local weather stations or if there are strong wind conditions.
“Total Fire Ban days are assessed on weather conditions across the Bureau of Meteorology Central Forecast District, which stretches from Wonthaggi to Ballarat. Weather conditions in Ballarat are often very different to in the Dandenongs, which is why we use local weather information to inform park closures.”
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