Dry forest conditions remain despite a recent downpour of rain in the Mount Alexander Shire.
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Local government agencies and CFA brigades in the Strathloddon Group are urging Mount Alexander Shire residents to prepare their properties for the fire season.
Mount Alexander Shire Municipal Fire Management and Planning Committee co-chair Luke Ryan said fire safety complacency in residents was something brigades and organisations battled regularly.
“It’s easy to forget what occurs in a bad fire,” he said. “It’s still dry out there. The forest are extremely dry and, even with that rain, it's going to remain dry.
“In this area, I have noticed a good growth of grass from rain but that will dry quickly, so it’s important people get works done and have their property maintained through the fire danger period.”
Mr Ryan said he and local CFA brigades would begin the fire prevention inspection program next Monday.
“We will be heading out to inspect properties across the entire shire to make sure residents are following regulations and that their properties don't pose hazard,” he said.
“The Shire will also start its roadside slashing program at end of the month and have already conducted weed spraying to reduce the likelihood of the ignition and spread of fire.”
Absentee owners and regular commuters to Melbourne are one of the groups in the Mount Alexander area that Mr Ryan hopes to engage more.
“We're trying to engage with these people because we find a lot of properties owned by absentee owners aren't managed properly,” he said.
“A problem we face is that the metro areas don’t have a fire danger period, so they don’t have the understanding others have. They come and burn off with out understanding local laws and regulations.
“Even if you don't live here, it's important for people to focus on planning for themselves, preparing your properties and helping your neighbours.”
Maldon CFA will host a fire ready workshop on October 31 with local members to give residents advice on preparing for the fire season.
Maldon brigade’s community safety co-ordinator Orlena Charleston said she wanted every Maldon household to have a fire plan.
“Many people don’t know how to do a fire plan and don’t have one for their home. I’m hoping to help organise a lot of fire plans for a lot of households,” she said.
“We will also be giving advice to the community on how to be fire ready and will have ex-captains here talking on some of the bigger fires we have had in the area.”
Maldon CFA’s Fire Ready Workshop will be held at the Maldon Fire Brigade in High Street on October 31 at 6pm.
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