Residents urged to prepare for fires

The need to prepare for the possibility of bushfires has been stressed by the Erica and district fire brigade.

The Mountain Rivers area that takes in Erica, Rawson and Walhalla is one of the high risk areas in Baw Baw Shire and Erica brigade’s Lieutenant Russell Wright said people needed to keep their fire plans up to date.

He said fires just over a week ago in East Gippsland were a timely reminder for communities throughout the region.

Lt Wright said plans to cope with a possible emergency were essential, not just at home but also when on holidays or travelling.

He also emphasised the importance of monitoring communications channels such as social media, radio and television to stay informed about what was happening.

After a relatively dry winter Lt Wright said some areas of Gippsland were quite dry and it was possible there could be an early start to summer conditions.

As part of the reminders to residents of Erica, Rawson and Walhalla the Erica brigade has teamed with Baw Baw Shire to reinforce the plan and prepare messages by the use of variable message boards loaned by the shire.

East ward’s Cr Michael Leaney said fire preparedness and community safety were paramount.

“Well prepared and well-informed residents build our resilience in the event of a natural disaster”.

The council is more than happy to support the CFA and local brigades spread the message, Cr Leaney said.

Lt Wright said as well as having a plan people needed to make sure their personal fire protection systems and equipment are in working order and everybody in individual households knows the fire plan, what to do and when to do it.

Identifying alternative exit road routes if there are some unexpected road closures was also essential, he said.

People with questions about how to prepare a fire plan should contact their local brigade, Lt Wright stated.