THE warning signs are all there — hot spring days, plenty of grass and windy conditions.
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Fire season is approaching fast and history tells us that unless we are prepared for the worst, catastrophe can quickly follow.
A grim reminder of what can happen in the blink of an eye occurred on the weekend when strong winds whipped up several fires across the region.
On the hottest spring day so far this year, crews were required to fight fires near Bushfield, Hawkesdale, Port Campbell, Warrnambool and Lismore.
While none of the fires were particularly serious, they still had the potential to get out of control and had it not been for the timely response of the fire crews the results could have been a lot worse.
If we do not get consistent rainfall across the region in October, the area will become tinder dry and that’s a worry.
It may seem obvious but it is essential at this time of year that householders and landowners review their fire plans.
That means making sure you have a strategy in place in the event of a bushfire, one that you fully understand and intend to stick to in a worst-case scenario.
Although much of south-west Victoria was spared the worst of the Black Saturday fires, the region has suffered its fair share of heartache as a result of catastrophic events in the past.
Most rural people are well-versed in the rules and regulations regarding fires and farmers in particular understand the dangers better than most.
But it is incumbent on all of us to be alert and aware during summer.
It is no good adopting a head-in-the-sand approach and hoping that it won’t happen to you.
If you are unsure about what to do when a fire breaks out near you, it is worth taking the time to find out.
It could save your property or indeed your life.
Although we might think that the Country Fire Authority and its army of volunteers will arrive to save the day if a fire breaks out, the fact is fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.