Information
Bulletins and File Downloads
Total Fire
Bans and Fire report updates are broadcast on local Radio Station UGFM
(FM-106.9-Alexandra/Eildon,
98.5 Marysville Triangle Area, 88.9- Yea/ Highlands Area, 98.9
Flowerdale)
CFA/DSE
Bushfire Information Line - 1800 240667
Vicfire
Permit burn Reporting Line- 1800 668511
Holiday
Fire Safety-Information
bulletin No. 005/92
If you're planning to spend
some time this summer in Victoria's beautiful parks and forests, remember the
bush could also host a very unwelcome visitor-fire. To keep the holiday season
safe for everyone, remember these holiday fire safety guidelines.
Travelling on the road
Victoria is divided into 5
Total Fire Ban Districts. As you travel around Victoria, be sure you know which
Total fire Ban District you are in and whether or not a Total
Fire Ban has been declared for that district.
Bush and Grass Fires often
cross roads and highways, creating dangerous situations for road users. If you
see smoke ahead, play it safe by turning around and finding another route. Don't
risk getting caught in a bush fire.
It is wise to keep several
woollen blankets in your car and a supply of water, just in case you get caught
in a bushfire and have to use your car as a refuge. If you need to shelter in
your car:
It will be a hot and frightening experience, but remember it
is safest to remain in the car where there is protection from radiant heat.
Bushwalking
On days of Total Fire Ban , it is best to postpone a trip
into the bush since the risk of a fire starting and growing rapidly is extremely
high.
If you are caught in the bush during a fire, find as clear an
area as possible and prepare to shelter there. Do not try to outrun a bushfire.
When looking for a place to shelter, seek streams or rivers,
bare clearings or large rock outcrops that will break the path of the fire.
Avoid places uphill from the direction of the fire or at the crest of a hill. Do
not shelter in water tanks above the ground surface.
Do your best to cover your skin to protect against radiant
heat. It is wise to have long pants and a long sleeved shirt on a bush walk.
Sturdy leather footwear, a broad brimmed hat, and a supply of water are
essential items.
Be aware of the declaration of Total Fire Bans in the
district where you are camping. It is prohibited to light a campfire on a day of
Total Fire Ban, or to use portable barbecue or gas fired stove outside your
tent. You may use the electric or gas fired barbecues fixed in permanent
structures in parks and nature reserves on a day of Total Fire Ban, as long as
the area is cleared for 3 metres around and above the barbecue, an adult is in
attendance at all times and there is sufficient water on hand.
Campfires may be lit during the fire danger period provided:
These regulations also apply to the use of portable gas
stoves or barbecues during the Fire Danger Period.
Remember it is dangerous to use naked flame inside a tent.
Never light a portable stove or barbecue inside a tent. Use an electric torch
for lighting.
Caravans
Follow the regulations for barbecues and campfires during the
fire danger period and on days of Total Fire Ban. You may not use a portable
barbecue outside a caravan on days of Total Fire Ban, however, you may use the
stove inside your caravan provided due care is taken.
Take care with gas cylinders. Be sure they are vented away
from the caravan.
When staying in a caravan park, find out if a safe refuge
area has been designated in case of bushfire and use it when fire threatens. If
no refuge has been designated, decide ahead of time where you will shelter from
fire. Brick toilet or shower blocks, stone picnic shelters, or behind concrete
walls are safer than inside your caravan.