Today CFA launched Get Fire Ready, a Victorian initiative with more than 630 brigades across the state hosting an event to prepare communities ahead of another potentially challenging fire season.
Get Fire Ready events will kick off this weekend and run throughout October and the start of November.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM said Main Ridge on the Mornington Peninsula was chosen for the launch due to the area not experiencing a major fire since 1997, adding further risk if the local community isn't well prepared.
"The Get Fire Ready initiative is about making sure Victorians understand their fire risk, have a fire plan and know where to get emergency information from," Jason said.
"Preparedness saves lives. By getting fire ready now, communities can reduce their risk and respond quickly if fire threatens.
"Brigades are either holding events at their station, at local community events or within the community.
"I encourage the community to attend their local Get Fire Ready event, chat to your local fire safety experts about the risk in your area and take the steps to prepare ahead of the fire season."
Main Ridge Captain Matt Gallace said the 1997 bushfires were the reason he joined CFA, so he could help his local community.
"I wanted to assist in some way, there's a lot of risk in this area and a lot of tourism," Matt said.
"Our biggest fire risks are Arthurs Seat which is highly residential, the National Park and we have three major tourism attractions which could see thousands of tourists in one day.
"We have high fuel levels too and limited access to certain locations. We also don't have access to reticulated water so we rely on tanks, dams and swimming pools for water to fight fires.
"Property preparation is vital in this area, we can't get a truck to every house.
"We had a successful Get Fire Ready event last year and will run one again this year in partnership with Red Hill Fire Brigade.
"We really need our message to reach the tourists too, they need to understand the risks, they need to avoid the area on severe fire risk days and they need to remain alert if visiting over summer."
Main Ridge Fire Brigade offer CFA's Property Advice Visit Service (PAVS) to assist the local community with fire preparedness at their home. They also have an electronic notice board they utilise for various safety massages and have done community safety letter drops.
Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM reinforced that preparation doesn't need to be complicated.
"Clearing gutters, mowing lawns, trimming branches, knowing where you'll go if a fire breaks out and setting a watch zone in the VicEmergency app can make a real difference in an emergency," Jason said.
To find out when your local brigade is taking part visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready.
