As the first day of summer approaches, CFA with RSPCA Victoria, is reminding Victorians to consider their pets and livestock in their bushfire survival plan.

While families should always put their own safety ahead of their pets in an emergency, it is important to have bedding, food, and water ready to go for them should a fire cause concern.    

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said during high-risk bushfire days, be sure to keep your bushfire relocation kit for pets within easy reach so you are ready to leave early.

“It can take longer than you think to move your pets, so make sure you can transport them efficiently and have towels and woollen blankets on hand to protect them,” CO Heffernan said.

“Families should consider ahead of time whether their leave-early destination can accommodate pets, otherwise to have an alternative in mind.

“We also recommend microchipping your pets so they can be easily identifiable, with your phone number on their collar.

“On all hot days, especially on Extreme or Catastrophic fire risk days, it is also important that you try to keep your pets as cool as possible.”

CO Heffernan reminds Victorians a separate plan is needed for horses and livestock as late evacuation will put you both at risk.

“It is safest for horses and livestock to be in a large well-grazed and fenced area on your property away from roads where they can move freely with a supply of water.” CO Heffernan said.

“Your plan should identify evacuation routes and which animals you intend to leave behind. You need to act quickly, as moving stock after a fire has started is dangerous.”

RSPCA Victoria’s Head of Prevention Rebecca Cook said planning for potential emergency evacuation and knowing what you need for your pets is vital.

“Planning for emergencies is such a crucial part of life in Victoria particularly during the summer months,” Ms Cook said.

“You should store photos on your phone and email of important documents like registration, microchip numbers, vaccination certificates, medication directions, and your local vet.

“We also recommend you identify pet shelters, establish an emergency guardian, and share your evacuation plan with someone you trust who can evacuate your pets if you’re not home.”

Following the release of the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer this week, Victorians can expect to see increased fire risk in eastern, western and central Victoria this summer and should review their Bushfire Survival Plan for their families and their pets.

For more information and tips on how to keep your pets and livestock safe during high bushfire risk days, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/pets.

Your Pet Bushfire Relocation Kit should include:

• Food and water
• A bowl for each pet
• A second collar and lead
• A carrier for cats and smaller pets
• Bedding and a woollen blanket
• A pet first-aid kit – seek your vet’s advice
• A favourite toy
• Any medications, along with a written list of what they are
• Your pet’s medical history, including proof of vaccination
• Your vet’s contact details.

Tips for keeping pets cool

• Have fresh, cold water available at all times
• Ensure your pet has shade at all times or bring them inside into a cool room
• Wipe your pet down with a cool, damp towel or leave wet towels out for them to lie on
• Wet your dog with cool water several times throughout the day
• Consider buying a wading pool for your dog
• For cats, rub damp hands over their coat or along their tummy
• Place ice blocks in your pet’s water bowl
• Place ice in a pillow case and place it near your pets
• Consider having your dog clipped if their coat is long and thick
• Never leave your pets in a vehicle on a hot day.

On Friday November 17 at 3.50pm, CFA brigades and an Fire Rescue Victoria crew were called to a shed fire in Main Creek Rd, Main Ridge.

When Main Ridge Fire Brigade arrived on scene, the shed was fully alight with flames at least two metres higher than the roof, licking at a power line.

A CFA Westernport Group strike team leader, David Breadmore, who was nearby at the time was also quick to attend to manage the incident.

A local man, David Hunt from Peninsula Fresh Water Supplies, noticed smoke coming from the shed while he was driving past. He pulled over in his water tanker and used a hose to put water on the fire.

While approaching the fire a significant dark plume of smoke was visible, so more tankers were requested immediately. When Main Ridge and Rosebud trucks poured water onto the shed fire, both brigades ran out of water in under 10 minutes. More water was sourced from the Peninsula Fresh Water Supplies tanker to protect the home from the shed fire. This extra water supply allowed brigades to stop the fire spreading to the nearby house.

The shed fire took approximately 30 minutes to control and around an hour to extinguish, with Red Hill, Main Ridge, Rosebud, Flinders, Dromana and Shoreham brigades attending and working together.

Thirteen CFA vehicles were on scene including the Group field operations vehicle and Rosebud’s support van. Also on scene were Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, a CFA fire investigator, United Power and the Mornington Peninsula building surveyor.

Without these resources the house would have been lost or severely damaged. Two community members were injured (smoke inhalation and burns) trying to contain the fire and were treated by Ambulance Victoria.

The historic Charlton Post Office was destroyed last month after a fire tore through the building forcing the roof to collapse.

The building, a three-bedroom home with a post office at the front was built in 1879. In 1941 the post office section was demolished and remodelled. Up until Sunday November 19, it had served as the town’s current post office.

Charlton Group Officer Phil Ellis was incident controller on Sunday 19 November with support from Charlton Captain Craig Walsh and Wycheproof Lietuentant Laura Harrison. They were responsible for the 11 CFA and FRV units that battled the fire. He said it was devastating.

“It started in the back of the building in the laundry and spread into the roof space,” Phil said.

“We thought we had it contained at the back, but it ran along the roof to the front of the building in about 35 minutes.”

The fire began around 11.30am and by 12.51pm the roof had begun to collapse.

11 CFA units from Wycheproof, Charlton, Swan Hill, Teddywaddy, Wooroonook, Woosang, Yeungroon and Wedderburn attended the fire.  

Crews worked hard to extinguish the blaze but were unable to save the Charlton Post Office.  

 “The baker heard the pop and explosion and tried to put the fire out,” Phil said.

The cause was believed to be a fault in a washing machine in the laundry.

After the fire the local community was looking for the post master’s house cat and dog, which have both been found.

The CFA is warning farmers to take care with their upcoming harvesting activities in the wake of the warmer, drier spring conditions.

Hot and dry conditions paired with high fuel loads will see this year’s agricultural events kicking off sooner with elevated risks of fire ignition and spread.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan is reminding farmers and community members to take extra caution this harvest season and be responsive to imminent dangers.

“We are entering a more standard summer fire season this year, so we know there will be a large amount of dry fine fuel ready to burn as the vegetation continues to dry out,” CO Heffernan said.  

“Unfortunately, we encounter a large number of fires igniting from farm machinery and vehicles each year in Victoria, and last year was no different which saw CFA volunteers respond to 41 of them between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023,” CO Heffernan said.

“Many of our volunteers are farmers themselves so we understand the pressure that harvesting-related fires pose to them and the community in regard to both their safety and profits.”

CO Heffernan said awareness is key to avoiding harvester fires, ensuring farmers are cleaning-down and inspecting equipment thoroughly before use.

“We know how quickly small fires can spread to nearby paddocks, so it is imperative that our farmers are prepared before jumping on the harvest,” he said.

“Make it part of your routine to make sure your machinery is free of faults and mechanical defects, check for straw or grass build-up, as well as hot bearings.

“It is important to understand that material collecting on hot engine components in the manifold, exhaust and turbocharger are the most common causes of harvester fires.”

Farmers are particularly warned to be mindful of harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing or mowing in hot and windy conditions, as they can cause harm in a matter of minutes.

“Be sure to check weather conditions against the Grain Harvesting Operations Guide before harvesting,” he said.

“Hot and dry conditions are a particular concern for CFA, so always carry a water fire extinguisher and postpone paddock work during the highest fire-risk periods.”

“Where possible, take regular breaks when operating machinery so it doesn’t get too hot and have adequate firefighting resources available in paddocks where you are conducting harvesting.

“We also strongly recommend you avoid driving vehicles and motorbikes through dry grass as the hot exhaust system is a major fire risk.”

Farmers are often the first responders to grass fires and understand the risks of operating machinery in these conditions, however we advise this awareness is communicated more broadly to your family and neighbours.

“Being fire safe on your farm should be part of any fire plan you have.” he said.

Crop and Farm Machinery Fire Safety

• The most common cause of harvester fires is material collecting on hot engine components such as the manifold, exhaust and turbocharger. 
• Make it part of your routine to check for straw or grass build-up, and hot bearings.
• Make sure your machinery is free of faults and mechanical defects and carrying a water fire extinguisher.
• Postpone paddock work during the highest fire-risk periods. On hot, dry days, exercise extreme caution before harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing or mowing.
• The key to avoiding harvester fires is diligence in maintenance such as clean-down and inspection.
• During paddock operations have the appropriate firefighting equipment in place. You’re required by law to have a 9-litre water pressured extinguisher on hand.
• Avoid driving vehicles and motorbikes through dry grass or crop – the risk from the hot exhaust system is high.

Residents in the Macedon Ranges Shire have been urged to prepare for an increased likelihood of warmer and drier conditions over summer, with the Fire Danger Period having come into effect from Monday this week.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) declared the Fire Danger Period for the Macedon Ranges began from 1am on 27 November 2023 and will end on 1 May 2024 (unless otherwise advised). No fires can be lit in the open air without a permit during this period.

The council’s CEO, Bernie O’Sullivan, said the Bureau of Meteorology’s declaration of two key weather events – El Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) – meant an increased risk this fire season.

“Those who have experienced fire will know how dangerous and unpredictable it can be – it is crucial that we take collective responsibility to ensure others do not have to experience it,” he said.

“There are a range of useful resources available to help you prepare for the upcoming fire season, including the CFA and Council websites, with the VicEmergency app and your local ABC radio station both working to provide the latest information on current conditions.”

The council says it’s focused on working with the community to collectively reduce the shire’s fire risk, including undertaking an annual roadside slashing program across council-managed roads to reduce the likelihood of fires starting from hot vehicle exhausts, mechanical failures and collisions.

This roadside slashing program began earlier this month and will continue throughout December, prioritising high-use roads and working within strict guidelines to complete these works safely. An annual program to slash council-owned land and reserves across the shire is also well underway.

Regional Roads Victoria undertakes its own program to maintain state-managed roadsides.

Additionally, the council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officers are conducting private property inspections across the shire to check for fire hazards, issue Fire Prevention Notices where appropriate and work with landowners to reduce risks.

Residents were reminded of the importance of being prepared for fires, and to ensure their properties are maintained to minimise flammable fuels including stockpiles of green waste and foliage in gutters.

Free green waste disposal is available for ratepayers and tenants at the council’s transfer stations in Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend.

If you’re a CFA volunteer on holiday in Mallacoota this summer, the local brigade wants to hear from you.  

“Vols on Hols” is a pilot program that will be trialled this summer in an effort to have more boots on the ground in far east Gippsland.   

Mallacoota was chosen as the trial site because the small and remote coastal destination significantly increases in population over summer with an influx of up to 10,000 visitors during peak season. It was also severely impacted during the 2019 and 2020 bushfires.   

South East Region Deputy Chief Officer (DCO) Trevor Owen said many people return to the Mallacoota region with family and friends as an annual tradition at the same time every year, some spanning decades.  

“CFA members are among the many visitors to Mallacoota each year and we are seeking their assistance while enjoying their stay,” DCO Owen said.

“Because of Mallacoota’s isolation and the increased risk over the summer period, we’re interested in CFA volunteers who can respond supporting members of the Mallacoota Fire Brigade. We completely understand that volunteers are on holidays to spend valuable time with their families, fishing, boating or other recreational activities, but we also know some members may be willing and able to assist in the event of emergency.  

“The nature of our members is they want to help if they can and Mallacoota Fire Brigade would appreciate the extra hands during this busy part of the year.”   

The pilot program is for operational responders and members who have skills in community education and engagement. Interested members are requested to provide an Expression of Interest. The application is then reviewed, and the member is sent a welcome letter and contacted by the Brigade Captain who will inform the next steps to introduce and induct the visiting member into the brigade. 

Mallacoota Captain Tracey Johnston said she welcomed the pilot program in Mallacoota to bolster the available resources of the Brigade. 

“We’d love to have more volunteers and welcome them with open arms, but you don’t have to turn up every time the pager goes off,” Tracey said.  

“We know that visiting CFA members want to help during an emergency and we welcome their skills to assist when they are available. The more hands, the better result all round.” 

Anyone interested in taking part in the Vols on Hols program would certainly be welcomed. For more information go to volsonhols.d11@cfa.vic.gov.au or call D11 Headquarters on 03 5153 7400.   

More than 160 South East CFA volunteers gathered at Crib Point Refinery recently to take part in a group exercise training day to boost their skills ahead of what’s shaping as a challenging summer.

Over the recent weekend of November 11-12 the volunteers from over 20 brigades across Peninsula and Westernport groups worked through a vegetation fire simulation which saw the crews use over 30 vehicles and roaming aircraft to control the incident.

Deputy Chief Officer South East Trevor Owen said the brigade groups meet annually to run through the mock scenario that stems as an important skills maintenance exercise in preparation for the bushfire season.

“We’re getting ready for the fast-moving intense grassfires that will come as a result of the abundance of grass we are now seeing across the state,” DCO Owen said.

“The crews engaged in a range of activities, from grassfire techniques to operating bushland firefighting and asset protection, while aircraft was overhead doing suppression.

“We’re working with safety at the forefront but also enlisting our strike teams to work through fuel management, identifying what type of fuel was involved and how much fuel is nearby.  

“An important aspect of the day was practising the teamwork between aircraft and ground crews. Following direction from the air attack observers, we had water bombing assistance from a fixed-wing aircraft and a helicopter to assist teams below.

“Others worked on our staging techniques and the deployment of our resources, making sure our operational plans on the ground were fit and safe and they’re going to do what we need them to do when we need it.

“The crews also ran through entrapment drills and hazardous trees assessments, which are also both really important safety functions.”

DCO Owen said days like this bring firefighters together, allowing for collaboration, camaraderie and learning experiences that foster confidence and trust for the fireground.  

“CFA is a people-based organisation, our volunteers give so much, and they do it so willingly. They’re revisiting techniques to ensure everybody comes home safe to their families,” he said.

“To see them come together, operate together, and build those relationships, gives me great confidence as we head into the bushfire season that our people are prepared and more importantly that our people are safe.

“They’re putting their life on the line in many cases over the summer and going into dangerous situations but knowing that they’re safe and they’ve done everything they need to do practically means we’re prepared as an organisation and ready for the warmer conditions.” 

An earlier hay season has Victorian farmers and the CFA wary of the dangers of high moisture content in hay as producers begin baling and storing it in warmer conditions.

Just last week we saw the repercussions of hot northerly winds, when seven hay sheds, each with 800 bales of hay, caught on fire in Kerang following a damaging ember attack.

Kerang Captain Ramon Steel said crews arrived on scene to just one hay shed engulfed in fire, before an unexpected wind change initiated an uncontrollable firestorm.

“Several hours later we were hit with an ember attack and the fire spread to a further six sheds,” Ramon said.

“We had 26 CFA units on scene and were able to utilise the appliances and volunteers available to save the other 13 sheds.

“Multiple grass fires broke out but were easily contained. However, nothing could be done to stop the shower of sparks that headed straight for the sheds in line of fire due to the direction and strength of the wind.”

Hailing it as one of the worst fires he has witnessed in his 39 years as a firefighter, Ramon said crews will remain on scene patrolling the burning sheds as they continue to self-extinguish.

Unfortunately, a haystack fire is not unusual to CFA, having responded to almost 52 haystack related fires between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernansaid if hay is baled with high moisture content and is green, it can heat up like compost, which can lead to spontaneous combustion weeks or months later.

“Farmers who have decided to carry on with hay production need to be extra vigilant this year to make sure conditions are right for making hay and for the future storage and transport as well,” CO Heffernan said.

“Hay fires are a real threat to properties and stock in primary production areas.

“Whether you’re a seasoned hay grower or switching to hay this year, it’s imperative to take care of your hay and crops this fire season.

“Consider the storage of your hay to avoid spontaneous combustion which can lead to ignition. “

When hay is either not properly cured and dried out before baling, or not stored to protect it from rain or damp conditions, moisture content in the bales is then higher than the recommended level. If stored in environments with high temperatures and little airflow, a biological reaction could lead to a fire.

Haystack fires can also start easily from lightning strikes or sparks from equipment.

“You should regularly monitor your haystacks by using a temperature probe or a crowbar to detect heating hay,” CO Heffernan said.

“Signs of heating hay can include steam rising from the stack or unusual odours like burning, must, pipe tobacco smell or a caramel smell.

“By being vigilant, you’re protecting yourself from the financial impact of losing valuable fodder and protecting your property and family from the potential danger of hay fires.”

Haystack Tips           

• Ensure hay is well cured before baling. 
• Know the history of the hay you purchase.
• Keep haystacks to a limited size and separate your haystacks.
• Monitor moisture and temperature of your hay regularly.
• Watch for unusual odours such as pipe tobacco, caramel, burning or musty smells.
• Store hay in separate stacks or sheds away from farm equipment and other buildings.
• Keep your hay dry. Protect it from rain, leaking rooves or spouts, and runoff. Cover stacks with tarps or hay caps.
• Don’t stack hay right to the top of a hay shed. Allow some air to circulate at the top – this helps to carry away moisture.

Temperature Guide (degree celsius) – what to do when your hay is overheating
Use a thermometer in a probe or insert a crowbar into the middle of the stack for 2 hours.

• Less than 50 Can handle the crowbar without discomfort
  Check temperature daily.
• 50 – 60 Can only handle crowbar for short time
  Check temperature twice daily.
• 60 – 70 Can touch bar only briefly
  Check temperature every 2 – 4 hours. Move hay to improve air flow.
• Over 70 Bar is too hot to hold
  Potential for fire. Call 000 immediately. Avoid walking on top of haystack. At this stage pulling apart the hay may provide the oxygen it needs to ignite.

CFA captains Andrew Collins and Michael Licciardo went above and beyond their duties this month when they lent a hand to not only the Queensland fireys but also a member of the public in need.

The duo left Victoria earlier this month to transport fire trucks to Queensland to assist with the ongoing blazes. On their way home they missed their flight to help a fellow passenger.

“I was enjoying a coffee and a croissant in the Qantas lounge while we were waiting, and I saw a lady running past screaming out for first-aid, but when she came back, she didn’t have anyone in tow,” Inverleigh Captain Andrew Collins said.  

“I asked her if everything was all right, and she said there was a man having a seizure around the corner.  

“You just do what you have to do, and being someone with first-aid training, I followed her. The man was already sitting up, but he wasn’t looking very well at all.

“We just started doing the usual checks, but he was sweating from head to toe and was very hot. We knew that there was something obviously not quite right.”

Another member of the strike team, Mornington Captain Michael Licciardo, joined Andrew as they both took charge of the situation and looked after the man.

“We got the Qantas lounge employees to call ambulances for us and we continued monitoring and checking him over until they got there.” Andrew said.

“He thought he was well enough to jump on his plane home to Sydney, but he was definitely not in a good shape to travel, especially being up in the air.”

Having spent 40 minutes alongside the elderly man meant Andrew and Michael missed their flight home with their crew, but that was the least of their worries.

“We had two strike teams of people booked to come home on the flight, and buses waiting for us in Melbourne,” Andrew said.

“We just sent them on, it wasn’t even a concern. Our concern was this member of the public who wasn’t well.

“Time flies, and suddenly our flight was boarding and leaving. The Qantas people were fantastic and said they’d get our bags and transfer us onto the next flight.”

Little did they know at the time that they would be rewarded and upgraded by the Qantas team and welcomed into business class as they jumped on the next flight out of Brisbane.

While it is a natural instinct for Andrew and Michael to pay it forward, the Qantas team was extremely appreciative of the prompt and professional response from all CFA members involved. CFA hopes the man is safe and well and Andrew and Michael wish him all the best in his recovery.  

An anxious mother duck was reunited with her ducklings that had fallen into a storm drain, thanks to the good work of some firies who ducked out for the quick rescue operation last week.

CFA crews from Narre Warren Fire Brigade responded a call on Saturday night, November 4 at 6.52pm to rescue some ducklings that had fallen into a storm drain behind Amberley Park shopping centre. 

With little information on where the ducks had fallen, crews spent around 10 minutes searching for the correct drain. 

Fortunately, mama duck was on hand to help as she anxiously circled the right drain as she watched the firefighters remove the debris from the drain covering before lifting the drain cover.

Narre Warren 5th Lieutenant Aaron Chitaranjan said when they managed to gain access to the drain, they found 12 ducklings huddled together. 

“One by one, we picked them up and put them in a box with the mother duck watching from a distance,” he said.

All 12 ducklings were successfully rescued and reunited with their relieved mother, where they waddled off into the sunset.

A CFA volunteer firefighter and breast cancer survivor has shared her story and the support she received with the hope she can help others in a similar situation.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, last month, Dandenong volunteer Rachel Rendall wanted her fellow CFA firefighters to be aware of the financial support available to them through the State Government’s presumptive rights compensation scheme, which assisted her during the fight for her life.

Rachel Rendall has been a CFA volunteer firefighter since 2004. She discovered her devastating cancer diagnosis in June 2022 which turned her world upside down.

“It was a shock to hear the news. There is no family history of cancer. I was worried about how I would cope during treatment and what my prognosis would be,” Rachel said.

“My treatment began in July 2022 and I completed active treatment last month. I’m now considered ‘cancer free’ and I’m currently celebrating this milestone in Scotland with family.”

Prior to Rachel’s diagnosis, she was aware of the presumptive rights available for a list of cancers, but she assumed it was mostly applicable to men. It was her 1^st Lieutenant who encouraged her to investigate, and they found that breast cancer was one of the listed cancers.

She promptly applied for compensation by submitting her medical records and her case was successful.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how simple and quick the process was,” Rachel said.

“I believe I’m one of the first female CFA volunteers to receive compensation through the presumptive rights scheme and I began to wonder if, like me, other women weren’t aware they could qualify.

“I really want to encourage other women to apply, as it has made a huge difference to the financial and personal stresses that go with treatment.

“I really hope my story helps other women with their cancer journey and I hope the process is as smooth as it was for me.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the presumptive rights scheme is important legislation for our members who are suffering a firefighting-related cancer or may be impacted by cancer in the future.

“I’m really pleased to hear how successful this process was for Rachel and other firefighters who have also benefited from the scheme,” CO Heffernan said.

“The State Government recently announced the addition of three more cancers which means 15 types of cancer are now on the list, further supporting the lives of our firefighters.”

Presumptive compensation means an eligible firefighter doesn’t have to prove that firefighting is the cause of their cancer when they make a claim.

The CFA’s Oscar 1 took out the Overall Safety and Fire Exercise awards at the 30th Victorian Mine Rescue Competition held in Stawell in recent days. 

VMRC is an annual safety training exercise, which pits mine rescue and emergency response teams from Victoria and New South Wales against each other in a series of simulated emergency situations.      

Organised by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), it also provides an event for mine rescue teams and emergency services to share knowledge and experience.  

James Sorahan, Executive Director of the MCA (Victorian branch), said teams were tested across six different scenarios, including road crash rescue, rope rescue and search and rescue underground.   

“One of the special parts about the competition is that we do have several scenarios at an operating mine site and underground. Lots of teams say it’s the best training they get all year,” he said.  

Oscar 1 is a volunteer technical rescue team with underground mine and tunnel rescue capability.  

Making his fourth appearance in the competition, Trent Dempster was CFA’s Oscar 1 team captain for the weekend.  

“For us it’s the closest thing to real-life training you can possibly get,” he said.   

Mr Dempster said the team, made up of seven members, was ecstatic to finally take out the fire safety award.  

“The fire award is one that we chase. We get told we should win it every year and we don’t. This year we came out on top, which is fantastic,” he said.  

Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville Gold Mine won best overall at the event, followed by Mandalay’s Costerfield Operations in second place and CSA Cobar in third. CFA’s Oscar 1 came in fourth.  

CFA Oscar 1 Captain Daniel McMahon said he was proud to have the team compete, they showed tremendous dedication and teamwork. 

“Thank you to everyone who has supported Oscar 1 and congratulations to the team on their excellent performance.” 

CFA’s Stawell Fire Brigade assisted by setting up a car fire scenario and also took the opportunity to set up the community engagement van at North Park for the duration of the competition. District 16 also provided a new heavy tanker to display during the event that was held last month. 

Two Benalla residents had a lucky escape after a mobility scooter caught fire in recent days.

Four CFA units from Benalla and Baddaginnie were called to a house fire in Benalla just before 7.30am on October 19. 

When they arrived, they discovered an electric mobility scooter outside and on fire, which was damaging the exterior of the house. 

District 23 Commander Daryl Owen said the occupants were alerted to the fire through working smoke alarms and neighbours, who used a garden hose to try and extinguish the blaze. 

“Neighbours were alerted to the fire before the occupants because the fire was outside,” he said. 

“The neighbours called 000 and as they were alerting the occupants, smoke alarms were also going off inside.” 

District 23 Commander Owen praised the neighbours for assisting and said this incident was a further reminder for everybody to ensure their smoke alarms are serviced and working properly. 

“In this case the fire was on the front door of the house and the neighbours could see it as they were getting ready for work and school,” he said. 

The fire destroyed the scooter and caused minor damage to the exterior of the house. 

CFA Fire Investigators and Victoria Police attended and determined the cause was an electrical fault during charging of the wet cell lead batteries (non-lithium batteries). 

District 23 Commander Owen urged the community to only use the original manufacturer battery which adhere to all proper safety regulations. 

“By the occupants charging this mobility scooter outside, this has saved significant damage to the house and quite possibly their lives,” he said. 

The incident was deemed safe at 7.44am.

The CFA is urging Victorians who care for someone in high bushfire risk areas to make a fire plan by using the CFA’s online bushfire planning module in preparation for the looming fire season.

The module, Bushfire Planning: You and the person you care for, was developed in collaboration with Carers Victoria for anyone who provides care or support to someone living with disability, mental illness, chronic health issues or age-related conditions. 

CFA and Carers Victoria are encouraging Victorians who provide unpaid or informal care to use the module to keep everyone safe and prepared this season. 

The module’s main topics include: your role is important, who needs to be prepared, start a conversation, build a plan, people who may choose to stay and resources.  

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it was vital Victorians prioritised their bushfire plan.  

“If you care for someone living in a high-risk bushfire area, this learning module is for you,” he said.  

So far, more than 417 people have enrolled in the course, with 280 completing the online bushfire planning module since it was launched two years ago.  

Chief Officer Heffernan says it is essential people are aware of emergency situations that might arise during the summer season.  

“Vulnerable people don’t always have the luxury of throwing together a last-minute plan if there is a fire emergency, which is why it’s so important to undertake the module,” he said. 

“We appreciate that there are so many day-to-day challenges carers must consider when caring for someone, which can complicate an already stressful emergency situation, so it’s important everyone has a plan.” 

Carers Victoria CEO Judith Abbott noted how important it is that the needs of people in care relationships are actively considered and supported. 

“We are pleased to be part of efforts to better support people in care relationships who live in bushfire prone areas. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to look at the planning resource – it’s a great way to get that all important planning done.” she said. 

Victorians can learn more about fire danger rating system changes on the CFA website, where they can also find more information about how to make a bushfire survival plan. 

The e-learning module, Bushfire Planning: You and the person you care for and its supporting resources are available on CFA’s website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/carers. To learn more about Carers Victoria, visit www.carersvictoria.org.au 

The Fire Danger Period is set to begin from 1am on Monday November 13 for the Campaspe Shire and Loddon Shire municipalities in the CFA’s District 20.

The El Nino weather pattern means Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer than recent years, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a Bushfire Survival Plan. 

The latest Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring predicts the fire risk in the coming months to be normal across the state, as well as strong drying patterns in Gippsland’s forested areas. 

CFA District 20 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andrew Dixon said recent rainfall has led to increased growth in grass and crops. 

“This is of particular concern to our firefighters, and we urge all property owners to take appropriate measures to reduce this risk,” he said. 

While CFA’s 52,000 members are poised to respond and support communities this bushfire season, they’re urging people to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires. 

Residents in these areas are asked to take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up their properties. 

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.  

By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately. 

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website. 

There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.   

The CFA has issued the following Fire Danger Period information: 

• A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au. It can also be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office.  
• Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can. 
• Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms. 
• More information about FDPs is available online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod. 
• To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit  www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.