As most people who live in the hills know the Dandenong Ranges are made up of a great deal of natural eucalyptus forest, Mountain Ash, temperate rain forest and Stringybark. Part of the life cycle of this type of forest includes fire. When burnt seed capsules open up, the seedlings thrive in the freshly burned, ash-rich soils. This cycle of fire and regrowth usually happens around every ten years. People who live in this part of the world know all about the very real threat of bushfire.
I vividly remember the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983, as half the hills burnt and smoke and ash billowed across Melbourne. The magnitude of the loss of property and lives was incomprehensible. Fires raged in the lower Dandenong Ranges in 1997 and of course during the horrific Black Saturday of 2009.
As we approach the Summer months it is important to prepare your property and yourself for the likely hood of this occurring again, bush fires are inevitable in the hills but you can make sure you have a plan in place to lessen the impact on your property and your safety.
- Clear the land around your home, from rubbish, debris, overhanging trees, undergrowth and long grass.
- Keep your roof and gutters free of leaves and bark.
- Have a petrol operated pump for water, should the power fail.
- Have an evacuation plan for you, your family and your pets.
Living in the hills is a great privilege, to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful forest and landscape in the world, but it also comes at a cost. A cost that includes diligence, preparation and caution.
Contact your local Country Fire Authority for expert planning and advice, Stay safe this Summer.
It also happens to be Fire Action Week, http://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/prepare/#fire/preparing-for-fires/preparing-for-fires