With the dry season approaching, Moyne residents are being urged to get their hands dirty in the garden to ensure their property is bushfire ready.
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The preparation advice comes after CFA representatives predict a fast plunge into warmer weather.
Fire restrictions will be in force across most of the south-west next week.
The fire danger period will commence in Warrnambool, Glenelg, Moyne and Southern Grampians shires from Monday.
Port Fairy CFA Brigade Captain Garth Palmer said despite recent rains a hot summer looked likely.
“It’s hard to imagine with all the rain we’ve had over the last few days but it’ll warm up quickly they’re saying.”
Mr Palmer said now was the time for property owners to conduct necessary landscaping to avoid tragedy.
“Clean your gutters out, clear weeds while you can and if you’re doing burnoffs now make sure you call the 1800 number first so we don’t get called out for nothing.”
Landscaping for bushfire, Mr Palmer said, is much the same as any type of gardening.
“It involves planning, designing, planting and managing the area around your house,” he said.
“If your property is on the edge of town now is the time to do your burn-offs and all of your gardening maintenance while you still can.”
The CFA website advises design and plant selection for bushfire can also help reduce the effects of direct flame contact and radiant heat on a house.
The location, type and ongoing maintenance of vegetation within a property can significantly reduce the impact of a bushfire on any house.
Keeping grass cut to less than ten centremetres, choosing suitable plants and keeping them separate, and removing flamable objects from the garden can also assist.
Landscaping for bushfire is much the same as any type of gardening. It involves planning, designing, planting and managing areas around your house.
