General News
7 September, 2023
Summer Series: Prepare your whole property
“Look at your whole property instead of just part of it” is Bowenvale Fire Brigade Captain Alan Monk’s advice to residents ahead of the coming fire season, with conditions looking ripe for a hot, dry summer. The most common fires around...
“Look at your whole property instead of just part of it” is Bowenvale Fire Brigade Captain Alan Monk’s advice to residents ahead of the coming fire season, with conditions looking ripe for a hot, dry summer.
The most common fires around Bowenvale are started by agricultural machinery and mowers during summer, as well as the occasional person doing the wrong thing according to Captain Monk, who said residents need to prepare their properties now.
“Now is the time to clean up those tree limbs that are hanging low and clean up whatever leaf litter has fallen through winter,” he said.
“Rather than piling that up to burn it, maybe you could consider taking it to the tip as green waste to minimise fire activity.
“You need to start doing this work now, it’s no use thinking about starting it in November or December because the time has well and truly passed by then.”
Captain Monk stressed the importance of residents thinking about their whole property, rather than just part of it.
“A big thing for our area is putting in fire breaks around your property, something that can be done with just a ride on mower,” he said.
“All you have to do is mow the lawn around the outside of your property so that if there is a fire, it doesn’t have the fuel it needs to get closer to your home.
“There are people who might put a fire break around their paddock and think they’re fine, but then they’ve got four-foot high phalaris running through the middle of the paddock.
“If you cut that down now, when we get to summer the heat will hopefully break it up and dissipate it.
“A fire break is a great start, but I’d encourage everyone to look at your whole property instead of just part of it.”
Captain Monk also stressed the importance of ensuring CFA vehicles can access properties, and encouraged property owners to check the width of their driveways and other access points.
“It’s really important to think about how wide your gates and driveways are, because if they aren’t wide enough we can’t access your property,” he said.
“The general rule is a clearance of four metres in height and four metres in width will get us through if there is an emergency at your property.”
The CFA website has extensive property management and fire mitigation advice and resources available at www.cfa.vic.gov. au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property, with residents also encouraged to speak with local brigade members if they have any questions.