Now is the time to start preparing your property
CFA is urging residents to prepare their properties ahead of the fire danger period, with parts of Victoria facing an early start to fire season.
The AFAC seasonal outlook for Spring, released last month, predicts an increased fire risk in west and southwest Victoria, following a notably dry Autumn and Winter.
Considering the outlook, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan stressed the importance of early preparation this spring.
"An earlier start to the fire season means community members need to start preparations now," Chief Officer Heffernan said.
"By removing light and heavy fuels around your home, you're protecting your property and helping firefighters defend it.
"Simple tasks such as clearing gutters, pruning overhanging branches, maintaining grass at a safe height, and moving wood piles away from your house or shed can greatly improve your property's chances of withstanding a bushfire."
Tim Chandler, Managing Director of Cave Hill Creek and 4th Lieutenant of the Raglan Fire Brigade knows firsthand the value of thorough property preparation.
When the Bayindeen fire threatened his property earlier this year, his plan was quickly put to the test.
"On the day of the fire, we had 120 kids on-site, so the priority was evacuating them calmly and safely," Tim said.
"After that, we spent about an hour preparing the property. We put towels and sheets in the downpipes, turned on the roof sprinklers and soaked the venue. We also removed the doormats and turned off the power."
Tim then joined his brigade, spending the next 12 to 14 hours fighting the fire and wondered what was happening back at his property.
"While I was on the fire truck, there were four of us whose properties came under threat at some stage,” Tim said.
"The fire burnt a lot of our grounds, but all the buildings we had spent time defending survived.
"A lot of people have told us we were very lucky. I agree with them, but I also say we created our own luck.
"By preparing properly and making the right decisions over a number of years, things are more likely to go your way."
The Bayindeen fires burned for over two weeks in the Pyrenees Shire and consumed more than 22,000 hectares of farmland and state forest. Remarkably, only seven homes were lost, highlighting how residents' preparations assisted CFA in defending properties.
Tim stressed that every household should take the time to create a plan for their property and their family.
"Sit down with your family or household, write down your bushfire survival plan, keep it somewhere visible, and practice it," he said.
"Being prepared saves lives, and it could save your home."
Take the following actions to prepare yourself and your property: