It's really important you keep your property clean and fire-ready during summer.
For up to date information about preparing for fire, visit the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
What You Can Do to Prepare
Have a plan. Your plan should outline what you and your family will do on a high fire risk day. Also see Household Plan.
Clean up your property:
- keep grass cut
- clean leaves from your gutters
- remove dead undergrowth and fallen branches
- reduce fire fuel from around your home – such as long, dry grass and fallen leaves and twigs
- check for potential fire hazards:
- firewood
- household junk stored under carports or eaves
- pot plants and hanging baskets
- bushes against the house
- vines on the house
- surrounding structures: decks, pergolas
- garden furniture
- under-house items
What We Do to Reduce Fire Risk
- regularly inspect properties
- issue fire prevention notices to non-compliant landowners
- fire preparations for our reserves
- review Emergency Management and Fire Prevention Plans
- promote better fire awareness.
Are you prepared?
Leaving early before a fire starts is the safest option in areas of high bushfire risk, especially if you or people you care for are frail, elderly, or have a disability. It's also safer to leave early if you have pets.
Staying to defend your home can put you at risk of injury or death. If you decide to defend your property properly make sure you are well prepared.
For more information or if you require this information in another language, please visit the CFA Translated Website.
Look after your health
There are a number of resources to help you look after yourself in a fire event or in a fire-affected area. The Victorian Multicultural Commission has collated a range of safety information available in other languages. These address issues such as stress, trauma, smoke and other issues.