The Maryborough Fire Brigade is inviting the community to come along to a fire information session next week.
The Fire Safety Essentials Workshop will help residents prepare for summer, the brigade’s Raelene Williams said.
“Because there’s a number of locations around Maryborough that are classified as very high risk for fire, we always run at least one safety session to remind people of what they need to do in the lead up to the fire season,” she said.
“Our focus this year will be around the Fire Danger Rating system — how to understand the ratings and how that could impact your planning.
“We’re also focusing on where people can get information during a fire, such as the VicEmergency app, and basic fire safety information on how residents can prepare their houses, and what will typically happen in a fire such as how ember attacks and wind direction can impact a fire.”
Ms Williams said the session is important for the local community to attend, as bushfires can be underestimated in built up areas.
“What we find is that people can get a bit complacent when they live on what we call the urban fringe, so places like Whirrakee Rise which has bushland close enough that if there was a fire, you could then have ember attacks landing on your house even though you’re not right up against the bush,” she said.
“The other thing is we all travel, and you should be prepared that you may be away on holidays when a fire starts at home. We also encourage people to come who may have elderly parents or people they need to think about and support to get ready for the season.
“Even if you came last year, come again this year and have a refresher.”
Ms Williams said a hot and dry season is expected, and that while most residents are aware of bushfires, grassfires can also threaten homes, often moving at a rapid pace and are underestimated.
“It’s going to be warmer and it’s going to be drier this year,” she said.
“We were a bit complacent last year because this time last year we were flooded, but this year we’re back to the normal dry conditions where we’d expect to see some fires.”
The session will be held at the fire station, 93 Napier Street at 7 pm on Monday, November 20.
Anyone who would like assistance in setting up ‘watch zones’ on their VicEmergency App is encouraged to arrive early from 6.30 pm.
