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Living in a high bushfire risk area, Olinda Fire Brigade member Scott Allison is no stranger to fire, however his message to new residents to the mountain is clear this Spring - prepare your property.
Each year, Scott enlists help from his son to clean up around their 1920's renovated farmhouse to prepare their property for the fire season.
"Together we clean the gutters, move wood away from the house, cut back the trees that are close by, and make sure any highly flammable materials are in the bottom shed further away from the house, not the top shed," Scott said.
"We also test the fire pump to make sure it is working and relocate it closer to the pool. It can reach all around the house."
While Scott has the hose prepared, his bushfire plan with his family has always been to leave early and get off the mountain on hot, windy days.
"I'm not going to be staying and defending my own house, as I will be out responding with my fire brigade, however for the last 20 years, leaving the mountain in the morning has always been the plan for my family," Scott said.
"While I've got a fire pump and hose, the reality is, I'm not there to use it and I wouldn't want to leave a family member to use it. It's our last resort."
Surrounded by dense bush within the Dandenong Ranges, Scott works with his back neighbour to conduct their burning off activities when the conditions allow.
"Our neighbour is a little bit older, so we always help him with his yearly burn-off," Scott said.
"He waits eagerly for ours too so he can come along and put some twigs on. But we generally take it on together and get it done."
Although a CFA member, Scott has utilised CFA's Property Advice Visit Service (PAVS) over the years, a free initiative that connects trained CFA members with households at risk of fire.
Through tailored in-person visits to properties, CFA members help residents understand their local fire risk and offer practical, property-specific advice to improve preparedness.
"It is really important for people new to the mountain to understand the basics," Scott said.
"While some people have awareness, there are still many out there that don't, so CFA's property visits are extremely helpful to get them on the right path from the get-go.
"My number one tip for people would be to firstly move their firewood away from their house, as it is the most easily flammable from a fire spark.
"Cleaning your gutters is probably sitting at number one too, but on a really hot day, please move your gas bottles!"
Victorians can learn more about how to prepare their property at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/prepare, and for more about bushfire survival plan, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan.
