Call for fuel-free

CARDINIA Shire councillors are giving residents an early reminder about the importance of keeping their properties free of fire fuels.
They are urging residents to clear long grass, fallen leaves and dead branches from their homes well before the fire season.
Ranges Ward Cr Ed Chatwin said it was also important to develop a personal survival plan which should include whether residents intend to stay with the property and actively defend it when a bushfire is threatening, or leave the area.
“If the choice is to leave early, people’s personal survival plans should include what will trigger a decision to leave, for example, Total Fire Ban days, where they will go after they have left their property and how they will get there,” Cr Chatwin said.
“Whether you choose to stay or leave, you should clean up your property as this may assist your neighbours if they are defending their houses.”
Fellow Ranges Ward Cr Graeme Legge said fire safety was everybody’s responsibility.
“Neighbours should work together and not leave it to the last minute to make their properties safe,” Cr Legge said. The council has developed the Vegetation Management for Wildfire Preparation on Private Properties guidelines to help property owners manage vegetation fuel loads. The guidelines are available at council’s office in Henty Way, Pakenham. Residents can check out the emergencies section on council’s website www.cardinia.vic.gov.au for more information on bushfire preparation, or call 1300 787 624.