Moorabool News The
EMAIL: news@themooraboolnews.com.au
Tuesday 3 November, 2020
Your Local News
WEB: www.themooraboolnews.com.au
Serving Ballan and district since 1872
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Member of
Vol 14 No 44
READY FOR FIRE SEASON – (L-R) Linda Pantalleresco, Graham Galloway and Ashleigh Malloch are prepared and ready for the upcoming summer fire season. Are you?
Ready for fire season
Photo – Helen Tatchell
individuals to reduce fire risk,” he said.
By Lachlan Ellis (3rd Yr Deakin Uni)
The landscape is green and lush and there hasn’t been any hot weather of late – but the fire season is rapidly approaching, and Council, local firefighters and the State Government have asked Mooraboolites to make sure their properties are prepared. Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) has hired an additional 19 firefighters in the Grampians region – which includes Moorabool – to bring the local seasonal workforce to over 100. Fuel management works, testing and servicing of specialised firefighting vehicles, and planned burning, slashing and mulching are just some of the vital tasks FFMVic are undertaking. But FFMVic Grampians Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Tony English, says “fire preparedness is a shared responsibility”. “There are a number of things that can be done by
“Including, but not limited to - making sure the mower, brush cutter, garden tools, pumps and hoses are all serviced and ready for when they are needed, cleaning out gutters, and moving garden furniture, wood stacks and rubbish away from homes.” Myrniong Fire Brigade member Brian Malloch told the Moorabool News locals shouldn’t be complacent due to the wet weather the area has had recently. “Although it seems a strange time to be talking about fires with the amount of rain we’ve had, it won’t take long for the grass to dry out and become a fire hazard. This may be an ongoing chore as the grass is growing incredibly fast at the moment due to the rain,” Mr Malloch said.
“If you need to burn off rubbish do it as soon as possible, as the Fire Danger Period is not far off. Don’t forget to register your burn off too on 1800 668 511.” The Municipal Fire Prevention Officer began inspecting properties at the start of October and will continue until February 2021. Fire prevention notices will be issued to properties deemed to be a fire hazard. Last year, more than 25 properties in Moorabool Shire received infringement notices of over $1600 for failing to comply with fire prevention notice conditions. To avoid a hefty fine and keep your community safe, make sure your property is adequately prepared this fire season. For advice on preparing your property for fire season, visit cfa.vic.gov.au or contact the CFA on 5329 5500. Moorabool Shire Council can also provide a list of local slashing contractors by calling 5366 7100 during office hours.
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