Tinder-dry park fire fears

OCEAN Grove residents nts fear a fire at a prominent nt nature reserve could d wreak havoc for the growing township. Long grass and dead tree debris littering the Ocean Grove Nature e Reserve have sparked d outrage at the dangers sa a fire would pose for nearby arby built-up housing and shopping opping developments directly across from the reserve on Grubb bb Rd. “It would be impossible to stop a fire there if it got going,” said Geoff Stevens, 77, who has lived south of the reserve for 37 years.

“All it will take is a very hot northerly wind and the fire will go straight to the beach and wipe out the town.”

In 1997, fire tore through the reserve, putting the Woodlands Estate under threat.

Two additional estates have since p popped pp up p bordering the reserve, addin adding to the risk for fire dis disaster.

The reserve, containin taining one of the last remaining wo woodlands on th the Bellarine Peninsula, has attracted people an and native anim mals since it op opened to the pub public in 1971. But its c current condition ala alarms residents. Mr Ste Stevens is among a growing group of locals demanding action.

“Twenty-five to 30 years ago, the CFA did a cold burn every winter and we felt safe,” he said. “It is terrible for it not to be cleared.”

But Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said appropriate risk management had been taken.

He said annual slashing and track clearing at the reserve took place early last month, with additional work brought forward during the next 10 days of milder conditions.

“We are prepared to undertake planned burns when it is safe to do so,” he said.

“Our No. 1 priority is to protect life and property.

“Not all forests are the same and not all years are the same.

“When conditions allow for safe, controlled burning and fuel reduction, we will undertake planned burning programs over larger areas.”