Burn now for bushfire safety
Frosts, low rains push up region’s risk
FROSTS and below average rainfall during winter have increased the risk of bushfires in the region, with residents urged to act now and remain vigilant.
Rural Fire Service Acting Regional Manager Tim Chittenden said residents needed to be mindful of the heightened fire danger as a result of the dry conditions.
“It is very dry and people should be using extreme caution when outside doing anything that could create a spark,” he said.
“There has been a few fires where people have been a little bit careless with grinders or anything that is hot outside.”
Mr Chittenden said Operation Cool Burn, which runs to the end of the month, aimed to raise awareness and understanding of winter bushfire conditions ahead of the main bushfire season that begins next month.
He said the weather forecast predicted a drier than average spring from September.
“The advice we’re getting is certainly it will be a dry spring at this stage and there’s no significant rainfall on the horizon,” he said.
“It will mean a busy time (for fire services).
“We’re already seeing some busy conditions and it’s only building with the frost we’ve had.”
He said residents should prepare their properties for the looming bushfire season.
“Residents need to make sure they have a valid fire permit from the fire warden, and follow the conditions from that permit,” he said.
“Certainly the recommendation is do that sooner rather than later; don’t wait.”
Hazard reduction burns will continue in the region over the next month in high-risk areas.