Home Innovations Display Centre

Fire Management and Safety

April 5th 2012

The summer fire danger period is now over, however it is important to take extreme care when burning off. Conditions can change rapidly and can turn controlled burns into a fiery blazes in just minutes. Therefore it is vital to never leave a fire unattended as they can spread quickly and can spread quickly and can burn into bushland or onto neighbours’ properties.

When you are planning  to burn off remember to let your neighbours know times and dates and even inform the Vic Fire Burn Off Line (1800 668 511) so that that brigades don’t get called out to burnoffs unnecessarily. Prior to burning off, check the weather forecast and never attempt to burn off in hot, dry, windy conditions. Be aware of the Mornington Peninsula Shire's Open Air Burning Local Laws to avoid any mishaps with the law.

10 Good Tips to ensure you are Fire Ready

1. Ensure grass is slashed over the fire danger period and is kept less than 75mm high.
2. Rake up and remove fine fuels such as dry grass, leaves, twigs and loose bark.
3. Remove any rubbish or material that is likely to cause, maintain, or promote a fire.
4. Store flammable liquids well away from the house.
5. Store woodpiles away from the house.
6. Place metal flyscreens or window shutters over windows.
7. Keep gutters clear of leaf litter.
8. Remove all noxious weeds from your land, the Shire can provide a weeds brochure if required.
9. LPG cylinders – face vent pipe away from the house and securely store in an upright position.
10. HAVE A BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL PLAN – Fire Ready Kits can be obtained from CFA.
(http://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/page/page.asp?page_Id=140)

For more information on bush fire safety and regulations Click Here or visit the Mornington Shire website