by Asset Management Team
As we move into Spring, it is time to ensure we are prepared for the bushfire season if you live in a bushfire zone. We strongly recommend that all households create and practice a fire evacuation plan inline with the guidelines set by the CFA or MFB.
Information can be found at:
• www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/plan-...
• www.frv.vic.gov.au/bushfire-safety
It is equally important to ensure your property is prepared for bushfires.
The CFA recommends defendable space be provided for a distance of 30 metres around a dwelling. If 30 metres cannot be provided onsite, it must be provided to the property boundary.
Defendable space is managed as follows:
- Fuel supplies, chemicals and woodpiles are not to be located within 10 meters of the home
- Plants greater than 10 centimetres in height are not to be placed within 3 meters of a window or glass feature of the building
- Shrubs must not be located under a canopy of trees
- Individual and clumps of shrubs must not exceed 5 square metres in area or 1 meter in height and must be separated by at least 5 metres
- Trees, including from neighbouring properties, must not overhang or touch any elements of a building
- There must be a clearance of at least 2 metres between the lowest tree branches and ground level
You can prepare by undertaking a visual inspection of your property using the check list below to identify any works that need to be completed.
Work with your co-op to ensure the works are completed before the end of October.
Bushfire Prepared Checklist
Are there fuels or chemicals to be moved to a safer location?
Is there a wood pile that needs to be moved to a safer location?
Are there plants near windows or glass that need to be trimmed?
Do any trees on the property need to be trimmed?
Do any trees on the property need to be removed?
Do any trees on neighbouring properties need to be trimmed?
Do any shrubs need to be trimmed to below 1 meter?
Do any shrubs need to be removed?
Does the guttering need cleaning?
Do the downpipes need to be checked for blockages?
During the declared fire danger period, ensure grass is maintained and kept below a height of 10 cm and all leaves and vegetation debris are removed at regular intervals.
As in previous years, we will communicate directly with any co-ops and members with homes identified on the Victorian Fire Risk Register as being at an extreme or very high risk of bushfire by October.