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Are You Fire Ready?

There have been a number of fires across the Gippsland region already this season and the predictions are that there will be more.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment and Country Fire Authority - 6th November 2006 - Back to News

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) have been planning and preparing for many months for the increased threat of wildfire: recruiting more firefighters earlier, training more personnel and upgrading infrastructure and equipment.

DSE Regional Fire Manager, David Tainsh said that lower than average rainfall and warmer temperatures mean that forest areas are dryer than usual.

"We must all prepare ourselves and our properties for the prospect of more and bigger bushfires," Mr Tainsh said.

"We have seen what has happened in America this year – they have had the worst wildfires on record and our own firefighters assisted them with the suppression of those fires."

"DSE and CFA need everyone who lives in or near the bush to think, plan and prepare ahead, so they can protect themselves, their families and their properties from the threat of fire."

Fire is a natural part of the Australian environment and the fire services believe that people who live in bushfire areas need to accept and manage the risk around them.

The best way to do this is to attend a Fire Ready Victoria meeting in your area.

CFA Regional Community Safety Manager, Murray Ravenhall said that Fire Ready Victoria is a joint strategy of CFA, DSE and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

"The aim of the program is to educate residents in areas of high bushfire risk to help them better understand the fire risk in their area and how fire may impact on themselves and their community," Mr Ravenhall said.

Continues…

"Fire Ready Victoria is about understanding how fire agencies prepare for fires, developing personal bushfire survival plans, developing self-reliance and being prepared and ready to deal with the threat of fire."

Fire Ready Victoria is coming to a place near you very soon - it could be at your local hall, on a street corner, at a friend's house or at your local DSE office or CFA shed.

If you are interested in attending a Fire Ready meeting or want further information on how to prepare yourself, your family and your property for the threat of bushfire, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or visit the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au

The CFA website has an up-to-date list of meetings in your area.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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