Tongala CFA captain Tristan Hornbuckle is reminding residents to prepare their properties and have a fire plan in place before the Fire Danger Period begins.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
A wet year brought lush growth to local pastures, but as paddocks dry out across Campaspe Shire, the growth is turning into a serious grass and shrub fire risk.
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As crews step up weekly training for the warmer months ahead, Tongala Fire Brigade captain Tristan Hornbuckle is urging residents to also prepare their properties before the Fire Danger Period begins on Monday, November 9.
Mr Hornbuckle said one of the biggest concerns heading into the season was public complacency.
“We don't really live in what people would perceive to be a very high-risk bushfire area, but I think fires, like what happened last year, have definitely highlighted (that) a decent running grass fire can have a pretty big impact on people's properties,” he said.
Recent rainfall has also contributed to increased grass growth, much of which is now drying out and turning into potential fire fuel.
Mr Hornbuckle encouraged residents to clear long grass and flammable materials from around their homes, sheds and other assets, and to have a fire plan in place well before an emergency occurs.
“You don't want to be coming up with a fire plan when a fire's literally coming down your driveway,” he said.
To ensure local crews are ready for the months ahead, Tongala Fire Brigade has been training weekly with a strong focus on grass and shrub fire tactics, asset protection, water drafting, radio communications and equipment knowledge.
The preparation extends to a shipping container-based training facility set up at the cricket oval, giving the brigade — alongside crews from across the region — a dedicated space to practise their skills.
Firefighters refresh essential tactics and equipment knowledge at Tongala's shipping container training site ahead of Campaspe Shire's Fire Danger Period beginning on November 9. Photo: Facebook: Tongala Fire Brigade
While Mr Hornbuckle said it was difficult to predict whether this season would be similar to last year, higher fuel loadings made preparation particularly important given the amount of grass which was around.
“At this stage, all you can do is be as prepared as you can.”
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