“We work closely with the CFA, Victoria Police and DELWP to assess levels of risk and co-ordinate our mitigation works,” Cr Mustica said. 

“Our role is to support emergency services in any critical situation and we then share this information with the community through our various communication networks. 

“We want to ensure that if there is an emergency situation, people are informed and able to leave an affected area quickly and safely.” 

Cr Mustica said Moira Shire had a number of significant areas which required fire emergency planning such as the Murray, Goulburn and Ovens river systems as these attracted many thousands of visitors over the summer fire danger season. 

“Irrigated agriculture used to provide extensive buffers to fire but with changing irrigation practices it is imperative that fire emergency plans are prepared for farms and residential properties located within rural districts,” he said. 

“There are a number of things each and every one of us can do to prepare for the summer fire season including installing smoke alarms, having a planned and practised fire escape plan, clear your property of all unused flammable items including gas cylinders, chemicals and petrol cans and keep vegetation to a bare minimum around house blocks, sheds and other assets.” 

In a fire emergency always call 000 and go to the CFA website for updates.

Early start to fire season

The Federation and Berrigan Local Government Areas will start the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) early this year due to ongoing warm and dry conditions. 

While the bush fire season traditionally starts on 1 November each year on the border the fire season will begin on Monday, October 14.