Importance of Fire Safety

This spring/summer season has already seen horrific fires throughout Victoria and this fire season is looking to be a very dangerous period for all Victorians. Most of us in Gippsland are fortunate in that we do not live in high bushfire danger areas but the loss and destruction of property and livelihoods from all types of fires is a risk that we all have to accept and act upon. As we enter the fire danger period this year, it is very important to take the time to look around our house or farm and clean up any potential fire fuel. Overhanging branches should be lopped and gutters should be kept clear of all leaves and twigs, fallen bark should also be cleaned away from the base of trees, especially near buildings. During the fire danger period which typically lasts from November through to April special precautions need to be taken when working outdoors. The CFA recommends carrying a fire extinguisher or knapsack on all farm vehicles over this period. The use of grinders, welders and chainsaws is permitted during the fire danger period, but among other precautions it is essential to set up shields to block sparks, and to have at hand a reticulated water supply, a fire extinguisher or a knapsack water spray holding at least 9 litres of water. It is good work practice on farms to stop every now and then and get out of the air-conditioned comfort of your farm vehicle to keep an eye on outside influences particularly the temperature and wind conditions. Kevin Brown from Gippsland Fire & Safety also recommends that all your existing fire fighting equipment is checked to make sure it is in good working condition. All hoses and pressure gauges on extinguishers should be checked; water in knapsacks should be pumped out and replaced. All tractors or machinery likely to come into contact with grass, stubble, weeds or other vegetation should be fitted with a 9 litre stored pressure water extinguisher or a knapsack. There is always the chance of fires over summer in Victoria, loss of life and property is a possibility every summer. By being aware of some of the things that can cause fires and taking action to minimise the chance of fires beginning, we are minimising this threat to ourselves, our loved ones and our properties. More information on what you can and can’t do during the fire danger period and especially on days of Total Fire Ban is available from the CFA website www.cfa.vic. gov.au all fire extinguishers and fire fighting products can be purchased from Gippsland Fire & Safety Pty. Ltd. by phoning Kevin Brown on 0419 527 062.