By XAVIER SMERDON
AFTER pockets of Wyndham were ravaged by grass fires last week, residents were urged to be vigilant and avoid unnecessary fire risks.
Werribee CFA Captain Michael Wells said there had already been a significant number of grass fires across Wyndham this summer and warned there was no room for complacency, particularly for those on the municipality’s fringe.
“In the history of this municipality, lives and property have been lost to grass fires,” Mr Wells said.
“Prevention is always better than the cure. A good, solid and well-rehearsed fire plan is essential.”
A Wyndham Council spokesperson said rural and undeveloped landowners are required to implement measures to prevent fires on their properties, including the creation of fire breaks.
Councillor Peter Gibbons, who is a member of Wyndham’s Municipal Fire Prevention Committee, said weather conditions leading up to summer had created an ideal environment for grass growth.
“Fires can start and move quickly and it’s essential to be aware of what is happening in your area,” Cr Gibbons said.
“On high-risk days, people need to monitor conditions around their properties.
“For your safety, it’s also critical to use more than one source for fire warnings and to be prepared to leave early and to plan where you are going.”
Cr Gibbons said no burning off is permitted on properties without a permit.
“Wyndham City has implemented a number of measures to reduce the muncipality’s fire threat. These include assisting CFA with a controlled burn program, the regular inspection of properties and issuing fire prevention notices to non-compliant landowners and fire preparations for the city’s reserves,” he said.
On days of Total Fire Ban, the lighting of any fires in the open air and the use of certain machinery is prohibited, along with the use of tools and equipment that use a naked flame or generate sparks.
For more information phone the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or for details on what you can and can’t do on days of Total Fire Ban visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au
