Bushfires
Bushfires are a natural occurrence and it is impossible to totally avoid them; however, as a community, everyone can do their bit to be prepared should a bushfire occur.
Fire awareness and preparedness in the home, agriculture, business, industry and places of recreation, is encouraged by the Country Fire Authority, Department of Sustainability and Environment, local councils and other government agencies.
While the last major bushfire in Baw Baw Shire occurred on Black Saturday in 2009, the potential for similar fires is high every year. The risk of bushfire is particularly high during the warmer months, and it is very important that everyone abides by the fire restrictions during this time.
It is extremely important that you take steps to ensure that you, your family and property are prepared for a bushfire.
The safest thing you can do on days of high fire risk is to leave early. In making this decision it is very important that you discuss it with other people who live in your house, prepare a bushfire plan together and write it down. Remember, travelling on the road through a bushfire is extremely dangerous.
There are a number of factors we recommend you consider when preparing for a bushfire.
- Advice and updates
- Assistance after a bushfire
- Bushfire prone areas
- Bushfires and your health
- Community fireguard
- Developing your bushfire plan
- Farms, property and livestock
- Fire danger period
- Fire prevention – what you need to do
- Fire Ready Victoria community meetings
- Fuel reduction burns
- History of bushfires in Baw Baw Shire
- Leave or stay? It’s your decision
- Victorian Bushfire Information Line
- Weather forecasts and reports
- What to do before, during and after a bushfire
- What to expect during a bushfire
