Municipal Fire Management Committee statement for fire season
Published on 03 January 2025
Victoria has already started to see the effects of the warmer weather and dry vegetation with fire and emergency service agencies responding to bushfires throughout Victoria; and it is a reminder for residents in Yarra Ranges to be prepared.
Fire and emergency service agencies meet on a regular basis throughout the year as the Yarra Ranges Municipal Fire Management Committee (MFMPC). Its function is to coordinate strategic fire management activities in accordance with the strategic objectives of the Yarra Ranges Municipal Fire Management Plan.
The current Deputy Chair of the MFMPC, Snr Sgt Mark Knight of Vic Pol, stated that “The purpose of the MFMPC is to coordinate, develop and implement through its membership, plans to reduce the likelihood and impact of fire, establish plans and actions to respond and recover from fire and assist planning for the usage of fire for public safety and environmental benefits across the municipality.”
The CFA are also represented on this Committee, with Tammy Garrett, Manager Community Safety, urging the community to understand that fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and the community. CFA members are actively engaging with communities to help them understand local risks and prepare for the challenges of summer fire danger.
Residents in the Yarra Ranges need to be aware that we are within the Declared Fire Danger Period (started 23 December 2024) where burning off in the open is not permitted due to the heightened risk. Police will attend in the case of illegal burns with potential fines and court proceedings as a result. This summer season, Crime Stoppers Victoria and Police Victoria are partnering together for the “You Light it, You Own it” campaign, which reminds community members to be cautious to avoid recklessly or accidentally starting fires.
Other agencies on this Committee include Fire Rescue Victoria as well as Yarra Ranges Council, Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Department of Transport and Planning who carry out comprehensive programs to manage the fire risk on the land they manage.
The other important partner in reducing the risk and consequences of uncontrolled bushfire fire is our community. Whether it’s a small residential property or rural acreage, residents need to consider and carry out property preparation works and have a plan should a fire occur in their local area.
Visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare to plan and prepare now for the summer season and potential fire risk. Stay up to date with Fire Danger Ratings on the Vic Emergency App and website to monitor conditions in your area.
Let’s continue to work together for a safer fire season.