THE fire season has started early this year and local firefighters are warning residents to be vigilant.
The government announced the start of the formal fire danger period was the beginning of October – a month earlier than normal.
Werribee firefighters say they are expecting the season to start about six weeks earlier than usual.
Daryl Wells, captain of the Werribee brigade, said the weather and the number of grass and scrub fires over the past few weeks indicate that residents should be well advanced with their individual fire preparations.
“Clearing gutters or mowing long grass helps but successfully defending your house takes consistent effort,” he said.
Residents can also remove flammable items from around the home such as paper, boxes, wood and chemicals.
They should also consider pruning shrubs so their tops are well away from tree branches and remove twigs and leaves that accumulate underneath. Those who live in high-risk areas of bushfires should also have firefighting equipment and access to an independent water supply if they chose to stay and fight a fire, he said.
“A rainwater tank is ideal, but other options to store water include swimming pools, accessible dams or even rubbish bins and wheelbarrows placed in various locations around the house,” he said.
The Bushfire Information Line – 1800 240 667 provides information on total fire bans, fire restrictions and major fires. In the event of a fire, call 000.
